Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first Paris Masters title after beating Ben Shelton in straight sets on Sunday, November 8, adding another trophy to an impressive 2026 season.
The Spaniard defeated the American 7-6, 7-5 in one hour and 57 minutes to secure his ninth ATP Masters 1000 title and fifth tournament victory of the year. The final was closely contested, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage in the opening set.
NANTERRE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a backhand against Ben Shelton of United States during the Men’s Singles Final on day seven of the Rolex Paris Masters 2026 at Plenitude Arena on November 08, 2026 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images)
Alcaraz held his nerve in the tie-break to take the first set 7-6(5), then raised his level in the second to secure a crucial break before closing out the match 7-5.
The victory also allowed Alcaraz to avenge his US Open quarter-final defeat to Shelton in September. The American had won that five-set encounter 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 after four hours and 28 minutes.
NANTERRE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning Championship point against Ben Shelton of United States during the Men’s Singles Final on day seven of the Rolex Paris Masters 2026 at Plenitude Arena on November 08, 2026 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images)
Alcaraz has now won four of their five meetings. The Paris triumph adds to a successful season for the 23-year-old, who has won titles in Tokyo and Vienna since returning from a wrist injury that kept him out of competition for several months.
NANTERRE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Ben Shelton of United States pose for a photo before their Men’s Singles Final on day seven of the Rolex Paris Masters 2026 at Plenitude Arena on November 08, 2026 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images)
His 2026 collection also includes the Australian Open and Doha Open, taking his tally to five tournament titles this season.
His Australian Open victory was particularly historic, making him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam after winning all four major championships.
NANTERRE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for a photo with his team while holding the Rolex Paris Masters trophy following victory over Ben Shelton of United States during the Men’s Singles Final on day seven of the Rolex Paris Masters 2026 at Plenitude Arena on November 08, 2026 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images)
Alcaraz was also named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in April in recognition of his achievements over the previous season. He will now turn his attention to the ATP Finals in Turin, where he will look to maintain his form at the season-ending championship.
NANTERRE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 08: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for a photo with his mother and father, Virginia Alcaraz and Carlos Alcaraz Sr, while holding the Rolex Paris Masters trophy following victory over Ben Shelton of United States during the Men’s Singles Final on day seven of the Rolex Paris Masters 2026 at Plenitude Arena on November 08, 2026 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Sona Maleterova/Getty Images)
