Alcaraz sets up Shelton rematch in Paris final

Carlos Alcaraz will face Ben Shelton in the Paris Masters final, setting up a rematch of their five-set US Open quarter-final, which Shelton won. The Spaniard said the match would be one of tennis’s toughest challenges, as he seeks to continue his return to top form after a wrist injury.

Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 in 86 minutes, winning 86% of points on his first serve and saving his best for the key moments. He has won 15 of his 16 matches since losing to Shelton and is on an eight-match winning streak. Shelton, ranked fourth, came back to beat Luca van Assche 5-7 6-3 6-4, becoming the first American men’s singles finalist in Paris since 2017.