Carlos Alcaraz secured his first Paris Masters title on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 in a decisive final that lasted just under two hours. The victory marks a significant milestone for the seven-time Grand Slam champion, who claimed his ninth ATP Masters 1000 trophy while settling a recent score with the American. Shelton had ended Alcaraz’s US Open title defense in a grueling five-set quarter-final two months prior, but the Spaniard dominated the Parisian clay this time around, converting his serve and maintaining high intensity throughout the match.
Spaniard claims ninth Masters 1000 crown with emotional control and tactical precision
The win highlights a marked improvement in Alcaraz’s mental resilience, a factor he cited as crucial to his success this week. “I would say this week I took a step forward mentally. I had a lot of really tough moments,” Alcaraz told reporters post-match. This emotional stability was tested earlier in the tournament during his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz, where the Spaniard saved two match points to advance. Alcaraz noted that controlling his thoughts in every single match allowed him to play his best tennis, culminating in the trophy lift.
This victory extends Alcaraz’s dominance at the highest level of professional tennis, adding another major title to his already impressive resume. By overcoming Shelton, Alcaraz not only secured a place in the history books for the Paris Masters but also demonstrated his ability to adapt his game against top-tier opponents. As he prepares for the upcoming season, this win serves as a powerful statement of intent, confirming that the 23-year-old is in peak form and ready to challenge for further major honors.
Source: Yahoo Sports
