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Alcaraz defeated Shelton in straight sets in the Paris Masters final, winning the title for the first time and the ninth Masters Championship in his career. After the game, he emphasized that he had improved both mentally and in game control.
Spanish tennis star “Little Man Bull”alcaraz (Carlos Alcaraz) continued his recent hot form and defeated American player Ben Shelton 7:6 (5), 7:5 in the Paris Masters final on the 8th to win the Paris Masters Championship for the first time and the ninth ATP Masters Championship in his career. Alcaraz said that this championship is not only a technical success, but more importantly, it is a “step forward” on a psychological level.
The 23-year-old Alcaraz missed more than four months of the season this year with a right wrist injury, but he gradually regained his form after returning. He won the Vienna Open last week and won the title again this week, having won all three finals since the US Open. He has won a total of 5 championships this year and the number of career championships has increased to 29, which also includes the Japan Open last month.
In the first set of the final, Alcaraz faced Sheldon’s strong serve and broke free several times. He saved a total of 6 break points and finally won 7:6 with a steal. At one point in the second set, he was trailing 2:4, but then turned the situation around by breaking Shelton’s serve. Finally, at the end of the second match, he ended the game with a straight backhand winner.
After the game, Alcaraz celebrated with open arms, a smile on his face and at one point tears in his eyes. He said, “This is a goal I have been chasing for a long time. Some of the toughest defeats of my career happened here. Finally, I played at my level here and found the right direction and method.”
Alcaraz added: “I think this week has been a step forward mentally. I try to stay positive, stay mentally strong and I’m glad I can control my emotions in every game.”
This is the fifth time Alcaraz has won against Shelton and the fourth of his career. There was a tough competition between the two in the quarter-finals of this year’s US Open. The game lasted until 3:33 a.m. and Shelton ultimately won. After that, he reached the final before losing to German star Alexander Zverev.
Shelton served 12 aces in the game, twice as many as Alcaraz, but still could not take advantage of key opportunities. Shelton bluntly stated after the game that scoring opportunities were very limited when facing Alcaraz. “This window is very short. If you miss the opportunity, there may not be another one.” He also confirmed the opponent’s performance and strength at critical moments.
It is noteworthy that Shelton has recently included former Alcaraz coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in his coaching staff. Ferrero ended his long-term partnership with Alcaraz last year, and the two players appeared to be on good terms even after the final. After Alcaraz won the championship, she circled around the net to hug Shelton and pat his chest to end the finals.
