Rafael Nadal crashed out of the Paris Masters in the second round on Wednesday after losing 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 1-6 to American Tommy Paul, boosting Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of finishing the year as World No.1. 

Nadal, who received a bye as second seed, was playing his first singles match in two months after spending time at home in Mallorca with his wife and newborn son. The 22-time Grand Slam champion shook off an early break in the opening set by winning five of the next six games.