Carlos Alcaraz defeated Ben Shelton 7-6(5), 7-5 on the evening of November 8 to win the Paris Masters, continuing his impressive comeback, Báo Lao Động reported.
The world No. 3, who missed nearly five months of the season due to a wrist injury, ended Shelton’s run in the final. The American player had advanced with a dramatic five-set win in the US Open quarterfinals. Since then, Alcaraz had added ATP 500 titles in Tokyo and Vienna before arriving in Paris.
Alcaraz Forges Comeback Path
While not at his peak condition, Alcaraz maintained an upward trajectory in Paris, defeating two of the sport’s most prominent young players to secure a breakthrough at the season’s end. The match between two of tennis’s brightest young talents showcased the Spaniard’s resilience and growing form.
The victory provides momentum heading into the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, where both he and Shelton have qualified.
Tight First Set Sets the Tone
Shelton began with a strong service game, putting early pressure on Alcaraz. The Spanish player faced a 0-40 deficit while trailing 2-1. However, Alcaraz successfully saved four break points in a grueling game that lasted nearly eight minutes, preserving his serve with a combination of delicate volleys and aggressive baseline play.
Both players struggled to convert break opportunities. Shelton saved two break points to maintain a 4-3 lead, and Alcaraz missed two more before leveling the set at 4-4 with a powerful first serve.
As anticipated, the first set went to a tiebreak, where 8 of the 12 points on serve were lost. Shelton rallied from a 1-3 deficit to take a 4-3 lead but ultimately lost three mini-breaks to fall 5-7 in the tiebreak.
Second Set Decided by Crucial Break
The second set followed a similar pattern. Shelton, who had won all three of his previous Paris matches in three sets, faced another comeback challenge. He saved four break points to hold his first service game from 0-30 down.
Four key first serves helped him escape danger, and his patience paid off when he broke Alcaraz’s serve to take a 3-2 lead. This was the first break of the match, achieved with a sharp return serve on a narrow angle.
The next game saw Shelton save a game point with a spectacular overhead smash that nearly caused Alcaraz to throw his racket to the court. The American held to go up 4-2.
Alcaraz Wins Ninth Masters 1000 Title in Paris
The next three games were held by each player’ serve, meaning Shelton had to win his service game to force a tiebreak. Instead, he hit a shot long while Alcaraz led 40-15, giving the Spaniard two match points. Shelton saved the first, but Alcaraz closed out the match with a forehand winner, demonstrating his incredible court coverage.
With this win, Alcaraz claimed his ninth Masters 1000 title and his first in Paris, adding another trophy to his collection.
Alcaraz’s Trophy Cabinet
The victory adds to Alcaraz’s already impressive list of career achievements:
- Grand Slam: Wimbledon (x2), Roland Garros (x2), US Open (x2), Australian Open.
- Masters 1000: Paris, Cincinnati, Rome, Monte Carlo, Indian Wells (x2), Madrid (x2), Miami.
- ATP 500: Vienna, Tokyo (x2), Doha, Rotterdam, Beijing, Queen’s (x2), Rio, Barcelona (x2).
- ATP 250: Umag, Buenos Aires.
Shelton will get a chance for revenge in the coming weeks. Both players have qualified for the ATP Finals, which begin in Turin on November 15.
Earlier coverage: Carlos Alcaraz Beats Ben Shelton to Win Maiden París Masters Title
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