Carlos Alcaraz just snagged his first Paris Masters title, getting sweet revenge on Ben Shelton after that brutal US Open quarter-final exit earlier this year. This isn’t just another trophy; it’s a loud, clear signal that his comeback from injury is officially peaking, and he’s absolutely gunning for the top of men’s tennis again, ready to compete for major prizes in 2027.
The Revenge Tour Continues
Only 60 days had passed since Ben Shelton ended Alcaraz’s comeback tournament in a late-night New York blockbuster. That US Open quarter-final was an astonishing five-set epic that followed Alcaraz’s four-month layoff with a wrist injury. But two months later, after winning three titles and losing only once in 17 matches, Alcaraz walked onto the Paris court and delivered. He took down world number four Shelton with a commanding 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 victory on Sunday, securing his first ever triumph at the prestigious Paris Masters 1000 tournament. It’s a statement win, confirming a fully-fit Alcaraz has now won seven of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events.
Alcaraz himself called it: “It’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time. I had some of the toughest losses of my career here.” He clearly respects his opponent too, adding, “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.” You can feel his relief and joy in his words: “I’m just really happy that I finally got it. This tournament is really special.”
Clutch Play When It Matters Most
This wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to Alcaraz’s indomitable spirit. Only two days before the final, he was staring down a quarter-final loss to Taylor Fritz, saving two match points to pull off an epic comeback. This is now the fourth time in his career he has won a title after being match points down at a tournament. That kind of mental toughness is rare.
Against Shelton, Alcaraz saved all six break points he faced in a tense opening set. Shelton himself was fearless, having had a stellar year with four titles and a first major final appearance, and he saved two break points of his own. But it was Alcaraz who absolutely held his nerve, taking the first-set tie-break by winning four of the final five points from 4-3 down. Shelton did finally break through in an error-strewn third service game for Alcaraz in the second set. But with the set in his sights, serving for a 5-3 lead, Alcaraz just struck back. He even pointed to his ear, demanding more noise from the crowd after edging a breathless exchange to hold for a 5-4 advantage. That confidence was just dripping off him as he danced to the music during the change of ends! It wasn’t long before he sealed the deal on his second match point, ending Shelton’s resistance by winning five of the final six games.
This victory moves Alcaraz closer to his career Golden Masters, with Canada and Shanghai now the only titles he needs to emulate Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in winning all nine Masters 1000 events. The seven-time major winner, who also became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open this year, now heads into the ATP Finals in Turin on a nine-match win streak, fresh off his win in Vienna. He’s clearly looking to end a challenging year with a massive statement, and you know he’s already got his eyes locked on competing for the sport’s biggest prizes in 2027. Get ready, tennis world, Alcaraz is back.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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