Paris Masters: Carlos Alcaraz sets up Ben Shelton rematch by beating Casper Ruud to reach final
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Carlos Alcaraz reached the Paris Masters final by defeating Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4, marking his first appearance in the tournament's final after overcoming a wrist injury earlier in the year.
- Alcaraz described his upcoming rematch against Ben Shelton as "one of the most difficult challenges in tennis," highlighting the intensity of their previous five-set US Open quarter-final encounter.
- Despite missing part of the season, Alcaraz has reached six tour-level finals in 2026 and is on an eight-match winning streak, including a recent title in Vienna, demonstrating a strong comeback.
- Shelton, who ended Alcaraz’s US Open title defense, advanced to the final after a three-set win over Luca van Assche and is the first American men's singles finalist in Paris since 2017.
- Both players have contrasting head-to-head records, with Shelton winning their latest match but Alcaraz having claimed victory in their first three meetings, setting up a highly anticipated final.
