Alcaraz has reasons to be excited

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 1 Jun 2025 | 20.08

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Shelton at Roland Garros 2025. Photo: gettyimages

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There are matches that perfectly encapsulate a tennis player's identity, and this is the case with Carlos Alcaraz' victory in the round of 16 of Roland Garros 2025. It was clear that Ben Shelton could pose a major challenge, and indeed he did, pushing the Spaniard to display his full range of shots, as well as tactical intelligence and budding legendary intangibles. He won by 7-6 (8) 6-3 4-6 6-4 and will face Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.

There are many stages to pass on the road to glory in a tournament like Roland Garros 2025, but there's usually a match that stands out as a turning point, changing dynamics. Carlos Alcaraz might have found that treasure with his triumph over Ben Shelton, both due to the demanding nature of the American and how well the world No. 2 responded, maintaining concentration throughout and elevating his level in critical situations.

From the beginning of the first set, the high level of play that both displayed was evident. Focused, intense in their footwork, aggressive, imaginative in tactical solutions, and eager to exploit weaknesses while enhancing strengths. Shelton managed to dominate with his serve and open the court with a deadly forehand, while Alcaraz controlled from the baseline, executed effective changes of pace, and kept his opponent moving, struggling to counter the Spanish player's offensive arguments.

There was only one skirmish on the return side by the Spaniard, who had a break point in the fifth game but was brilliantly neutralized by a fired-up Shelton entering the tiebreak. This was evident as he took a 1-4 lead in the tiebreaker, but that's when Carlos's intangibles emerged, with impossible points, pure talent, and tactical order, managing to level the score, save several set points, and eventually emerge victorious from this thrilling set.

- Alcaraz saved three set points in the first set and six break points in the first game of the second set

One could predict a slight adrenaline drop in the second set from both players, given the intensity and tension of the initial set. However, the first game was a tennis ode from both, with six break points saved by an efficient Alcaraz with his first serve in tight moments and capable of hitting epic forehands. The confidence gained from that escapade was fuel for the Murcian to find a crucial break in the eighth game, with lethal parallel drives, sealing the set on a high note.

The battle didn't wane in a third set where Shelton, contrary to some expectations, ramped up his footwork intensity and shot power. He secured an early break balanced by Carlos, and in the ninth game, with a 4-4 score and Shelton serving, Alcaraz had a break point that seemed almost matchpoint. Ben fired an ace, boosting his morale and confidence to hold serve and break in the following game, taking the match into a realm of increased uncertainty.

- Carlos Alcaraz finished the match with 43 winners and 43 unforced errors, compared to Shelton's 32 winners and 47 unforced errors

The start of the fourth set was crucial to determine if the American was capable of maintaining pressure on Carlos or if his level of aggressiveness and accuracy would slightly diminish due to physical and mental fatigue. Alcaraz's excellent performance led to the latter trend, securing a break in the fourth game that gave him a comfortable lead. He brilliantly withstood Shelton's attacks, as the American never gave up but ultimately succumbed to Carlos Alcaraz, advancing to the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2025 full of confidence.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz tiene motivos para ilusionarse