Spain’s teenage phenom Carlos Alcaraz added another trophy to his rapidly growing résumé on Sunday, overcoming American Ben Shelton 7‑6 (5), 7‑5 in the Paris Masters final at the indoor Plenitude Arena. The victory represents Alcaraz’s ninth Masters‑1000 title, his first in Paris, and his fifth championship of the 2026 season.
Road to the final
Alcaraz entered the tournament as the second seed and continued his late‑season surge after a title win in Vienna the previous week. He had not dropped a set in Vienna, but the Paris event proved a tougher test. In the quarterfinals, the Spaniard survived two match points against Taylor Fritz, demonstrating the mental resilience he has spoken about throughout the season.
Shelton, the 24‑year‑old American, entered the final after a dramatic quarter‑final marathon at the U.S. Open two months earlier and a semifinal win over Alexander Zverev. The American was seeking his eighth career title and his third Masters‑1000 crown.
Match highlights
The first set was a nail‑biter, with Alcaraz saving six break points before clinching the tiebreaker on Shelton’s forehand wide. The Spaniard’s two‑handed backhand winner on match point sparked a jubilant celebration, arms outstretched, as he briefly appeared to cry with joy.
In the second set, Shelton broke Alcaraz’s serve to lead 4‑2, but Alcaraz responded immediately, breaking back on Shelton’s forehand that landed long. The momentum shifted, and Alcaraz held his nerve to close out the set 7‑5.
Player comments
“It is something I have been chasing for a long time. Some of the toughest defeats I ever had in my career I have had here,” Alcaraz said after the match. “Finally I got my level here. I found the right path and the right way to do things.”
He added, “I would say this week I made one step forward mentally. Trying to be positive, trying to stay strong mentally. I’m happy I controlled my emotions every single match.”
Shelton praised Alcaraz’s play, and the two exchanged congratulatory hugs at the net, underscoring the sportsmanship that defined the final.
Looking ahead
With the season‑ending ATP Finals set to begin next Sunday in Turin, Alcaraz feels positioned to contend for that coveted trophy for the first time. His recent string of victories – Vienna, Japan Open, and now Paris – suggests he is peaking at the right moment.
Both players will return to the United States soon, where Shelton has recently added former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero to his coaching staff, following Alcaraz’s split with Ferrero last year. The addition signals Shelton’s intent to continue climbing the rankings.
Fans across the globe will be watching closely as the young Spaniard aims to cap an extraordinary season with a strong showing at the ATP Finals, while Shelton looks to build on his impressive run and add another Masters title to his résumé.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
