Alcaraz and a clear message to Shelton before the Grand Final in Paris

Carlos Navarro - 7 Nov 2026 | 20:01
Carlos Alcaraz Ben Shelton ATP ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2026

The Spaniard previewed the final against the American, who defeated him in the quarterfinals of last year's US Open... and cried out for his revenge on Parisian soil.

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Alcaraz threatens Shelton in Paris.

The time has come for revenge. Something like that must have crossed Carlos Alcaraz's mind as he saw his first serve turn into an ace to overcome Casper Ruud and advance to the final of the ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2026, in a formidable performance where he showcased an exceptionally high level, especially with his serve, a challenge until recently, and now an impenetrable weapon in his journey through the Paris capital.

It was a match without history, a duel in which Carlos dominated the serve against a weakened Ruud, lacking energy to engage in rallies and dominate with his forehand. The Murcian always kept him at bay with his first shots and attacked his backhand accurately, especially after the serve, ensuring that half of the shots following Casper's serve landed on his major weakness, that timid backhand that kept him from victory. Something like that, of course, will be needed to shield himself from the genuine bombs served by the American.

Alcaraz warns Shelton and eagerly faces the final

This is a vital victory for Alcaraz in many ways: he will step into the final of a Masters 1000 for the first time, a tournament that seemed cursed for him, where he had never made it past the quarter-finals and where he is now just two sets away from triumphing. "I am very proud of myself. I had many problems in this tournament; it has been an unusual year. I came in with great ambition and I am very excited to play the final tomorrow. I want to prepare myself as well as possible because it is a great day for me. I will try to do things differently in important moments to change what happened in our last match." The Murcian stated sincerely, already thinking about that final against Shelton, but also showing a certainty: he was convinced that one day he would change the bad feelings in the last Masters 1000 of the year.

"I have always wanted to play the final here, but I have always struggled to compete here. Coming this year with the ambition to improve has been key; this year has been different and allowed me to arrive fresh both physically and mentally for this part of the season. There is a unique and beautiful atmosphere, I knew that sooner or later I would achieve a great result, there is one last step remaining." The Murcian affirmed in the post-match interview... and no, he didn't forget to talk about his next rival, a Ben Shelton with whom he has a history whose last chapter did not end happily for Carlitos. After the defeat in the quarter-finals of the last US Open, the rematch between the two tomorrow smells of vengeance... and Carlos has no problem admitting it.

"Tomorrow is going to be a great day, I am very eager to get on the court. I will try to prepare for the match as best as I can. I want to take my revenge against Ben: the last time we faced each other was a very tough match, but it’s all about my tennis, and I will try to do some things differently in those small moments, especially the important moments, where I didn’t do very well in our last match. I am convinced it will be a great match, not only to play but also to learn from." Words turned into a true declaration of intentions, a warning to the navigators from a Carlitos who wants to make Ben pay for that endless night in New York. Prepare the popcorn, because the battle is just hours away from starting... and an ultra-motivated Alcaraz is a serious matter.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz y un claro mensaje a Shelton antes de la gran final en París