Alcaraz, Paris’ young prince

Neck and neck

It took the two finalists just over an hour to finally create some separation. For 65 minutes, Carlos Alcaraz (No.2) and Ben Shelton (No.3) matched each other blow for blow, mixing errors with moments of brilliance, particularly on the biggest points.

With the Spaniard lacking his usual intensity behind his first serve early on, the American made the stronger start, helped by an impressive serving display. Shelton was the first to create break-point opportunities: four at 2-1, then another two at 4-3, but he was unable to convert any of them.

On the other side of the net, Carlitos continued to raise his level. After navigating his way out of trouble, he followed up with a love hold and his first ace of the match. He had found his rhythm. The show was underway.

A tense tie-break followed, with mini-breaks exchanged on both sides. At 5-4, Alcaraz managed to hold onto his advantage and earned two set points. Another unforced error from Shelton, his 17th of the set, eventually handed the Spaniard the opener 7-6(5) after 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Patience pays off

Everything seemed to be going Carlos Alcaraz’s way, but that was precisely when his level began to dip. Perhaps it was the accumulation of matches after his recent title in Vienna, or a lack of match rhythm following the injury that kept him off the circuit between April and September. Despite a double fault that handed his opponent the break at 2-2, the Spaniard weathered the storm and remained patient.

That patience eventually paid off. With a superb forehand passing shot, the Murcia native earned two opportunities to break back, much to the delight of a crowd fully immersed in the spectacle. The Alcaraz machine was back in motion. Between 2-4 and 5-4, he won 12 of 15 points and rediscovered his very best tennis.

Then came another major blow for the player who had beaten him at the last US Open. With Ben Shelton serving to force a second tie-break, Alcaraz earned two match points. And fittingly, given some of the spectacular shots he had produced throughout the final, he sealed victory with one last winner.

See for yourself...

This first title in Paris is the 29th of his career, coming just a few days after his triumph in Vienna. An outstanding achievement, and one Ben Shelton was quick to acknowledge during the trophy ceremony:

“It’s so difficult to win Vienna and Paris, especially changing surfaces the way you’ve just done. You’re an incredible champion! Every time I play against you, you force me to play my best tennis, and it’s great to see you back on tour. I’m really happy for you.”

Only Shanghai and the Canadian Open are now missing from his collection. If he wins both, the current world No.3 will have lifted every Masters 1000 trophy at least once.

"I hope I never miss another tournament in Paris"

That makes three! Carlos Alcaraz now has three Paris titles across all tournaments and acknowledged the special relationship he has built with the French capital.

“We’re so lucky to be able to play twice in Paris. Unfortunately, I missed Roland-Garros this year, but I was really looking forward to coming back here, playing on this court and being in front of you all again,” he told the Plenitude Arena crowd.

“Thank you so much for all your support and love, it’s incredible! I’m going to carry the energy you’ve given me this week into the rest of the season. But I hope I never have to miss another tournament in Paris because I love playing in front of you, and I’m already looking forward to coming back!”