Alcaraz Sets Up Shelton Rematch in Paris Final

Carlos Alcaraz says he is ready for one of the toughest challenges in tennis after setting up a rematch against Ben Shelton in the Paris Masters final.

The Spaniard booked his first appearance in the Paris showpiece with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud on Saturday, continuing his impressive return from a wrist injury.

Alcaraz had earlier survived two match points to overcome Taylor Fritz in a thrilling quarter-final on Friday, extending his winning streak to eight matches following his triumph in Vienna last week.

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The 23-year-old is seeking revenge against Shelton, who ended his US Open title defence in an epic five-set quarter-final in September that concluded at 03:34 local time.

That defeat came during Alcaraz’s first tournament following a four-month absence caused by a wrist injury, but the seven-time major champion has steadily rebuilt his form since then.

“I’m ready to take on Ben Shelton in the final. It is probably one of the most difficult challenges you can face in tennis right now,” Alcaraz said.

“Ben is playing great tennis. Last time, it was a hell of a match. But I’m going to enjoy this moment because I was chasing the final here for a long time. It is going to be a big day for me.”

Despite missing a substantial part of the season, Alcaraz has reached six tour-level finals in 2026, matching Shelton and Jannik Sinner for the most on the ATP Tour.

The world number three has lost only once in his 16 matches since the US Open defeat, underlining his determination to re-establish himself among the leading players in men’s tennis.

Against Ruud, Alcaraz demonstrated his all-court superiority, winning 86 per cent of points on his first serve and producing 20 winners, including 13 forehand winners.

He also won 11 of 13 points at the net, with a single break in each set proving sufficient to secure the 86-minute victory. The Spaniard sealed both sets with aces, denying Ruud any opportunity to mount a comeback.

Alcaraz, who had never previously progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Paris, has now reached the final at seven of the nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.

Shelton, meanwhile, secured his place in the final with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 comeback victory over Frenchman Luca van Assche.

The American, who has recorded a career-best 45 wins in 2026, became the first US men’s singles finalist in Paris since 2017.

“Obviously Carlos is in amazing form. He’s a young legend in our sport already and any match he is in is blockbuster,” Shelton said.

The 24-year-old may have won their most recent meeting, but Alcaraz claimed victory in their first three encounters, leaving the American with a major challenge in Sunday’s final.

Shelton’s US Open triumph over Alcaraz also marked his first career victory against a top-three opponent, strengthening his belief that he can compete consistently at the highest level.

The American has further strengthened his coaching team by appointing Alcaraz’s former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, adding another intriguing dimension to Sunday’s showdown.