Alcaraz Aims for Shelton Payback

Carlos Alcaraz finished his match against Casper Ruud with an ace, avoiding a single break point in a 6-4, 6-4 victory on Saturday. The No. 2 seed now prepares to face Ben Shelton for the Paris Masters title, a rematch of a grueling quarterfinal contest from the recent US Open.

Alcaraz holds a 3-1 career lead against the American, but their most recent encounter ended in defeat for the Spaniard. That match concluded at 3:33 a.m. local time, marking a late-night marathon that Alcaraz cites as the reason for his current focus.

"I really want to take revenge against Ben," Alcaraz stated after his semifinal win. He noted that the previous bout was difficult and indicated he plans to adjust his play during critical moments where he felt he previously underperformed.

In the opposite semifinal, Shelton overcame a deficit in the deciding set to defeat Luca Van Assche 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Van Assche, an unseeded player from France, took an early 3-1 lead in the third set by breaking serve. Shelton responded by winning the next four games to seize control.

The American credited his ability to serve for his turnaround. "I know there is always going to be some little chance I can execute," Shelton said. He added that maintaining bravery on his serve created a small window for victory against the Frenchman.

Alcaraz enters the final seeking his fifth title of the year and his 29th career trophy. He captured the Vienna title last Sunday. Shelton aims for his fifth title of the season and eighth overall, while also pursuing his third Masters crown after his previous wins in Montreal.

The two players are scheduled to meet in the final, where Alcaraz will attempt to erase the memory of their late-night US Open clash.