Carlos Alcaraz avenged his US Open loss to Ben Shelton with a 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 win, claiming his first Paris Masters title in straight sets.
Alcaraz played a rousing opening set, roaring to the Paris crowd after the tie ended. Neither player could find a breakthrough in a set lasting 65 minutes, with Shelton unable to convert any of his six break point opportunities.
The second set looked set to take a similar course of action until Shelton shocked Alcaraz with a break to love at 3-2, firing two aces before his opponent in the game, but Alcaraz came back with a break at the first opportunity to bring the scores back to level at 4-4.
The world No.3 seized the momentum, firing up the crowd before producing a stunning Shelton forehand winner to secure the crucial break, take the second set 7-5 and clinch the championship.
Alcaraz’s maiden title in Paris marks his ninth straight match win and fifth tournament win from six finals in 2026. He also seeks revenge on Shelton, who beat him in a grueling 4hr 28min US Open quarter-final in September.
Despite another tough encounter between the two players, Alcaraz was gracious in his victory, praising his opponent’s attitude on and off the court.
Ben Shelton celebrates a point against Alcaraz
“It’s been a great week for (Ben Shelton) and your team – you’re amazing on and off the pitch. After a loss you always come back stronger – I’ll be in awe of you!
“This title is something we’ve been chasing for a really long time.
“I’ve had a lot of painful losses here, but we never give up. We felt very comfortable coming here this year.”
“I want to give a big congratulations to Carlos,” Shelton replied.
“I don’t think everyone understands how difficult it is to win back-to-back – from Vienna to Paris. Ten games in 14 days. It speaks to your versatility as a champion and the work you’ve done.
“Every time I’m on the court with you, I feel like you bring out the best in me – (I’m) so happy to be back and healthy.”
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