Carlos Alcaraz, the 23-year-old Spanish tennis player, has won his first Masters 1000 title in Paris. He defeated American Ben Shelton in the final with a score of 7-6 (7/5), 7-5. This victory marks Alcaraz's 29th title in his career, leaving him just one win behind his rival Jannik Sinner, who has 30 trophies. Alcaraz received the trophy from German tennis legend Boris Becker, who was the first winner of the tournament in 1986.
Alcaraz had previously struggled in the Paris tournament, being eliminated in the round of 16 in 2021 by Hugo Gaston and reaching only a quarterfinal in 2022. However, he has now succeeded David Ferrer, the last Spanish player to win the title in Paris in 2012. This victory is Alcaraz's fifth title of the season, following his win at the ATP 500 tournament in Vienne in late October.
The match against Shelton was intense, with both players displaying powerful serves and impressive rallies. Shelton had six break points in the first set, but neither player could gain an advantage. The set ultimately went to a tie-break, which Alcaraz won after Shelton hit a forehand too hard. In the second set, Shelton was aggressive, but Alcaraz increased his level, saving his serve and breaking Shelton to level at 4-4.
Alcaraz then served at 6-5, putting pressure on Shelton, who made errors and gifted Alcaraz two match points. Alcaraz converted the second opportunity with a sharp-angled forehand. After the match, Alcaraz praised Shelton, saying, "I know you will bounce back. And I will be a bit scared of you at the ATP Finals."
This victory marks Alcaraz's ninth Masters 1000 title, his first in this category since Cincinnati in August 2025. He is now closer to surpassing tennis legends Mats Wilander and Roger Federer, who both won 30 titles before turning 24. Alcaraz had previously lost to Shelton at the US Open in September, a match that lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes.
Alcaraz's win in Paris is a significant milestone in his career, demonstrating his growth and resilience. He has been working hard to regain his form after a wrist injury earlier in the year. The ATP Finals, scheduled for November 15-22 in Turin, will feature the top eight players of the season, including Alcaraz and Shelton.
The tournament was attended by many tennis stars, and Alcaraz's victory was celebrated by the Paris crowd. His next goal is to prepare for the ATP Finals, where he will face stiff competition from the world's top players. With this win, Alcaraz has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.
Key points
- Carlos Alcaraz wins his first Masters 1000 title in Paris, defeating Ben Shelton in the final.
- Alcaraz's victory marks his 29th title in his career, leaving him just one win behind Jannik Sinner.
- The win is a significant milestone in Alcaraz's career, demonstrating his growth and resilience.
