Carlos Alcaraz Gains Sweet Revenge over Ben Shelton in Paris
Locker Room
November 8, 2026
Carlos Alcaraz took full advantage of his chance to avenge that memorable US Open defeat to Ben Shelton.
Much as Carlitos claimed at the time that he had been happy just to be part of an epic so soon into his comeback, he didn’t want losing to Shelton to become a habit.
The American is a dangerous customer – and he pushed Alcaraz all the way.
But the Spaniard added Paris Masters glory to his Vienna triumph last week with a superlative 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 victory.
Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton are sure to be two of the greatest entertainers at Wimbledon 2027. They are made for the biggest major of them all.
But Shelton knows he can’t take his eye off the ball for a second against a man who has supreme belief in his own ability.
We saw it against Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals, when Carlitos kept smiling and interacting with the crowd – even in the face of potentially terminal match points.
As soon as he survives a crisis, you just know he will take over.
It was a similar story against Shelton. You can break the Alcaraz serve. But then what happens? He usually breaks straight back and runs away with the match.
Perhaps only a returning Jannik Sinner can put a halt to the momentum of the world’s favourite player. And the Italian won’t be back until next year.
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz will all add to the Centre Court magic at Wimbledon 2027. We can’t wait.
For now, the Paris winner is just happy to be rediscovering some consistency. His magical versatility has never been in doubt.
Shelton sounded in awe. He said: ‘I don’t think anyone realises how difficult it is to win back-to-back – from Vienna to Paris.
‘Ten matches in 14 days. It speaks to your versatility as a champion and the work you put in.’
Alcaraz admitted: ‘This title is something we’ve been chasing for a really long time. I’ve had a lot of painful losses here.’
A maiden title indoors in Paris for Carlitos – and his fifth trophy of a difficult year. Just imagine how good he will be by the time Wimbledon 2027 comes around!
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