Grigor Dimitrov made an impressive return from injury after claiming a 7-6(5), 6-1 victory against world No 56 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round of the Paris Masters.
Paris Masters tournament director Cedric Pioline expressed his "hope" that Novak Djokovic will compete at the event again, calling the tennis legend a "huge champion."
The draw for the season's final Masters 1000 event is out, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both set to face early tests in Paris.
World number five Novak Djokovic announced he will not compete at the upcoming Paris Masters, which will be held next week from 27 October to 2 November.
Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in the final of the lucrative Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Alexander Zverev and Ugo Humbert have both risen in the ATP Rankings after their success the Paris Masters, while Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have each dropped one place.