Carlos Alcaraz defeated Ben Shelton 7-6(5), 7-5 to win the Paris Masters on Sunday. The Spaniard secured his ninth ATP Masters 1000 title after taking advantage of Shelton’s costly forehand errors.
The world number three controlled the match from the baseline. His victory also made him the first Spaniard to win the tournament since David Ferrer in 2012.
Alcaraz’s triumph avenged his US Open quarter-final defeat to Shelton in September. The American had ended his title defence after a four-and-a-half-hour battle.
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz described Shelton as one of the toughest opponents in tennis.
“Today, it was one of the toughest challenges we have in tennis right now, facing Ben Shelton,” he said.
“He is doing better and better with every tournament, so it’s going to be even tougher facing him. So I’m just really happy that I found the way.”
Shelton’s errors cost him
The opening set remained tight, with neither player able to break the other’s serve. However, Alcaraz took control in the tiebreak.
Shelton sent three forehands beyond the baseline, allowing the Spaniard to take the first set.
The American responded in the second set. He took advantage of two double faults and poor shots from Alcaraz to move 3-2 ahead.
He then increased his lead with two aces in the next game.
But Alcaraz fought back to level the score at 4-4. He hit two cross-court winners as Shelton sent a forehand into the net and another beyond the baseline.
With Alcaraz leading 6-5, Shelton struggled again while serving to stay in the match. He sent two more forehands long before the Spaniard sealed the win with a backhand down the line.
Alcaraz ends Paris Masters wait
Alcaraz said winning the tournament had been a long-time ambition. He finally achieved it on his sixth attempt.
“It’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time,” he said.
The Australian Open champion has now won three titles since his defeat at Flushing Meadows.
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