Alcaraz Adds the Paris Masters to His Collection of Titles

Carlos Alcaraz continues to go from strength to strength, adding the Paris Masters 1000 title to his growing collection. Alcaraz beat Ben Shelton in straight sets (7-6, 7-5) on Sunday Afternoon.

The Spaniard has won three titles since returning to action after a long layoff due to a wrist injury. He posts a 20-win, two-loss record since the beginning of the US Open.

Alcaraz needs four more titles to have won all the prestigious trophies on the ATP Tour (Masters, Grand Slams and ATP Finals), something that looks probable. The form of the ATP world number three is remarkable.

Shelton is adding Alcaraz’s former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero to his team as he looks to find the missing piece of the puzzle in his game.

The young American is improving year on year but still lacks some quality to challenge Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

Both players have qualified for the ATP Nitto Finals in Turin. The tournament will run from 15th November to 22nd November.

Alcaraz triumphs again

Alcaraz faced Shelton in conditions that suit the American to a tee. Hard-court indoor tournaments maximise Shelton’s strengths in his serve and powerful strikes across a fast surface.

The opening set saw many opportunities come and go for Shelton to get a vital break. Alcaraz uncharacteristically had many unforced errors coming from his forehand.

The Spaniard struggled at the baseline while Shelton punished any mistake. Yet, in the face of adversity, Alcaraz saved six break points to keep him in a set where he was on the back foot.

Shelton flashed six aces past his opponent, his biggest weapon coming in clutch when he faced a couple of break points. Shelton saved break points in the seventh game. The game could’ve been a vital turning point in the opening set.

The tiebreak is where Alcaraz found his form again. When trailing 4-3, Alcaraz won four consecutive points, including breaking Shelton’s serve with a superb forehand into the corner of the court.

Alcaraz piled on the pressure, forcing Shelton onto the baseline before pinning a shot on the line. The ball bounced into Shelton’s body, forcing an error which gave Alcaraz the opening set.

In set two, Shelton took advantage of an error-strewn Alcaraz service game. The US Open finalist broke Alcaraz in game five after more errors from the Australian Open champion.

Alcaraz struggled to return the ball as Shelton upped the pace and accuracy, particularly on his backhand wing. The American looked in control, but in typical Alcaraz fashion, one mesmerising point turned the tie.

Alcaraz pushed Shelton from right to left before dropping a ball over the net. The American could only return the ball to Alcaraz’s forehand, which he powered past the 24-year-old.

The signature ‘finger to the ear’ in celebration meant Alcaraz had found his confidence and was ready to mount a comeback.

His intensity rose, and he broke Shelton’s serve to level up the set. The 23-year-old had a routine service game of his own, with the score at 6-5 in the Spaniard’s favour. It was up to Shelton to keep his nerve.

At the worst time, the American’s serve and decision-making began to deteriorate. A second serve out wide left the door wide open for Alcaraz to strike a forehand winner down court.

On Championship point, Alcaraz again approached the net, delicately placing a volley under his opponent’s racket to claim his maiden Paris Masters title.

Alcaraz: “This tournament is really special.”

In an on-court interview, Alcaraz exclaimed his passion for finally collecting the Parisian title on a surface he’s struggled on in past tournaments.

In 2025, Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat to the British number two, Cameron Norrie, in the second round. After his injury, no one expected Alcaraz to come back in the manner he has.

Alcaraz said, “It’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time. I had some of the toughest losses of my career here.”

The Career Grand Slam holder had plenty of positive words for his opponent, he added.

“Today was one of the toughest challenges we have in tennis right now, facing Ben. Great champion, great player, great person. He is doing better and better every tournament. From here, it is going to be even tougher facing him.

“I’m just really happy that I finally got it. This tournament is really special.”

Both players will now prepare for the ATP Finals, with Alcaraz undoubtedly the favourite to win the competition for the first time. Especially with Sinner out of action with a knee injury.

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