Carlos Alcaraz secured a significant victory on Sunday by defeating Ben Shelton to win the Paris Masters for the first time. The seven-time Grand Slam champion overcame the American player with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/5) and 7-5, a result that provided a measure of revenge for the loss suffered earlier in the season.
The matchup carried particular weight for the 23-year-old Spaniard, as Shelton had eliminated him from his title defense at the US Open. By claiming this victory, Alcaraz added the ninth 1000-level title of his career to his collection, marking a strong finish to a competitive year.
Unlike the five-set quarterfinal battle between the two players in New York two months prior, the final in Paris was a more concise affair. The match lasted just under two hours, a stark contrast to the extended ordeal that had unfolded in the United States.
After receiving the trophy from former Paris Masters champion Boris Becker, Alcaraz reflected on his history in the city. He noted that he had not always found his best form in Paris but emphasized that he and his team never gave up. The Spaniard smiled as he added that they had experienced painful losses in the past but consistently vowed to try again.
This triumph serves as a crucial preparation for the ATP Finals, which are scheduled to run from November 15 to 22 in Turin. As the current world number three, Alcaraz now holds five tour-level titles this year. Only Jannik Sinner, who has been sidelined by injury, has secured more, with six titles to his name.
The momentum leading into the French capital was strong for Alcaraz. He arrived in Paris immediately after winning the 500-level title in Vienna, extending his winning streak to nine consecutive matches. This consistent performance has positioned him well for the upcoming season-ender in Italy.
In Turin, Alcaraz will be seeking his first title at the year-end championship event. His recent success in France has also highlighted his dominance in the city's major tournaments. After winning two French Open titles and now the Paris Masters, the Spaniard remains undefeated in title matches in Paris.
The road to the final was not without its dramatic moments. Alcaraz once again saved match points to secure a place in the final, this time against Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. The scene drew comparisons to his iconic Roland Garros final victory against Sinner last year, underscoring his resilience in high-pressure situations.
For Ben Shelton, the result marked a first defeat in a Masters final. The world number four had previously won both of his prior appearances at this level, delivering showpiece matches in the last two editions of the Canadian Open. Despite this setback, his performance in Paris demonstrated his continued rise on the professional tour.
