Carlos Alcaraz gained a measure of revenge on Ben Shelton yesterday as the seven-time Grand Slam champion beat the American 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 to win the Paris Masters for the first time.
In defeating the man that ended his US Open title defence earlier this season, the 23-year-old Spaniard claimed the ninth 1000-level title of his career.
Unlike their five-set quarterfinal epic in New York two months ago, the clash in Paris lasted just under two hours.
Ahead of the ATP Finals, which run November 15-22 in Turin, world No 3 Alcaraz now holds five tour-level titles this year – only the injured Jannik Sinner has more with six.
In Italy, he will be seeking a first coronation at the season-ender.
After winning two French Opens and now the Paris Masters, Alcaraz is undefeated in title matches in the city.
But not for the first time in the French capital, Alcaraz won the title by saving match points en route – this time against Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals in scenes reminiscent of his iconic Roland Garros final win against Italian Sinner last year.
For world No 4 Shelton, it was a first defeat in a Masters final after winning his two previous appearances in showpiece matches at that level– both coming in the last two editions of the Canadian Open.
