Carlos Alcaraz captured his first Paris Masters title on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton in straight sets 7-6 (7/5), 7-5. The world number three controlled the contest from the baseline to become the first Spaniard to win the tournament since 2012. The victory marks a continuation of a remarkable comeback from injury for the seven-time Grand Slam champion before the year-end ATP Finals.
The win served as revenge for Alcaraz following his loss to Shelton at the US Open in September. Before the match, Alcaraz stated he was ready for one of the most difficult challenges in tennis, ultimately handing the world number four his first defeat in a Masters final.
Both athletes reached the final after strong performances on Saturday. Alcaraz, who reached the Paris Masters semifinals for the first time in his career, beat Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4. Ben Shelton secured his third ATP 1000 final appearance by rallying from a break down in the deciding set to defeat local favourite Luca Van Assche 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.