Next was the decisive game. Van Assche saved three break points, one with a serve and a forehand and another with an ace, but a forehand volley into the net, a double fault and an overhand shot gave Shelton a break at 4-3 on his fourth chance. The American, frustrated a quarter of an hour ago, let out a huge roar.
Van Assche held the ace at 4-5 and saved the first round with a deep forehand. Shelton converted the second with a serve and a perfect forehand.
The French took the first set 7-5 with the only break at 5-5. Shelton tied the score at 4-2 in the second set.
Shelton has a tough draw, again fresh off the US Open
Shelton lived up to his seed all week with a demanding run. He beat Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4, came from a set down to beat Artur Rinderknecht in a final-set tiebreak, beat Tommy Paul in three sets and then van Assche in front of a crowd that was fully behind the Frenchman.
After a US Open final followed by early exits in Shanghai and Basel, he arrived in Paris refreshed. “Everybody’s probably cooked,” he said Thursday. “This is the first week since the US Open that I’ve really felt it 100 percent ready to compete“.
It’s his sixth final of the season and 11th of his career (7-3). According to the ATP, he is the first American to reach the Paris final since Jack Sock in 2017, and the first American to reach multiple Masters 1000 finals in a season since Andy Roddick in 2010.
Van Assche leaves Paris on a career high
Van Assche, still undefeated against a top-10 player (0-6), leaves with the best ranking of his career. He is 34th in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and 2nd after his win over Frenchman Mariano Navone, Thien the Learner. Lorenzo Musetti and: Rinki Hijikata.
Rolex Paris Masters 2026 semi-final results
Ben Shelton (3) d. Luca Van Assche 5-7, 6-4, 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz (2) vs Casper Rude (Saturday)