Alcaraz stunned as Djokovic and Zverev crash out in Paris.

Carlos Alcaraz reacted with a mix of awareness and caution as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev suffered shock defeats at the Paris Masters on Wednesday.

Alcaraz, the world No. 3, beat American Alex Michelsen 7-6(4), 6-3 to extend his winning streak to six matches after winning the Vienna Open last week.

His victory came on a day of carnage among the top seeds.

New world No. 1 Alexander Zverev lost his opening match to Italy's Lorenzo Musetti 7-5(5), 6-2 in the second round.

Zverev called it one of his worst performances in recent months.

Novak Djokovic also fell, defeated by Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata.

Other seeded casualties included Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe and Alex de Minaur.

After his win, Alcaraz spoke to the press in Paris and was asked directly about the wave of upsets.

"Of course I like to look at the draw," Alcaraz said.

"I love watching the matches, the Masters 1000's in a week we could watch great matches in the first round."

He acknowledged how difficult the tournament is.

"So every round is really difficult, it could be the final of a 500 or even the final of a 1000, so you have to be ready and you have to be really focused on every round."

Alcaraz noted the toll the day had taken on the top players.

"It's been a really difficult day for the top guys, but you know I just try not to think about it and I try to step out there playing my best, try to play my best and enjoy," he said.

The only top-10 seeds remaining at the last-16 stage are Alcaraz, Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils.

Alcaraz has never advanced past the quarterfinals at the Paris Masters.

He admitted he found the speed of the courts difficult again in his first match.

"Well it was way faster this court compared to Vienna, which for me..." he said, trailing off.

Zverev, meanwhile, has been dealing with questions about the legitimacy of his No. 1 ranking.

He won his first two Grand Slam titles this year at the French Open and US Open, but his rise came during injury-hit seasons for Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.