Alcaraz downs Shelton to win Paris Masters for first time

In a thrilling final, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Ben Shelton 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 to claim his first Paris Masters title. The 23-year-old Spanish tennis star had already won nine 1000-level titles prior to this victory. Unlike their intense quarter-final clash in New York, the Paris encounter lasted just under two hours. Alcaraz expressed his satisfaction, stating that he played great tennis and took a mental step forward during the tournament.

He also mentioned controlling his emotions and thoughts throughout the matches, particularly after saving two match points in his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz, who returned from a wrist injury, has now won his last nine matches. With this win, he becomes the third player with five tour-level titles in 2021, trailing only injured Jannik Sinner with six.

The world number three now eyes the ATP Finals, which commence on November 15 in Turin, where he will aim for his first season-ending coronation. For Shelton, a four-time Masters finalist, this was his first defeat in a Masters final. The previous two defeats came in the Canadian Open, both in the 2020 editions. Alcaraz's win extends his undefeated streak in title matches in Paris, excluding Olympic Games, where he has won the doubles title twice.