In a match full of heart and hustle 🎾, reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz put on a masterclass performance against 13th seed Ben Shelton at the French Open. The Spaniard edged past Shelton with a 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over more than three hours of intense tennis on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Despite blistering serves, powerful hits, and crafty drop shots, Alcaraz kept his cool and pushed through the challenge. "I think we both have huge respect for each other, we entertained the people well," he said, capturing both the competitive spirit and mutual admiration that made this battle unforgettable.
The match saw Alcaraz take a tight first set in a nail-biting tiebreak before he secured a break of serve in the second set to build a lead. Although Shelton sparked a comeback in the third set, the determined Spaniard bounced back in the fourth set, sealing his spot in the quarterfinals as dusk settled on center court.
In the next chapter, another American awaits Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, following 12th seed Tommy Paul's straight-sets win over Alexei Popyrin. Meanwhile, Italian star Lorenzo Musetti continued his impressive clay-court run by defeating Denmark's Holger Rune 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarters for the first time. Musetti is set to face American 15th seed Frances Tiafoe, marking a historic moment as this is the first time the USA has featured two men in the French Open quarterfinals since legends like Jim Courier and Pete Sampras in 1996—and no American male had advanced this far since Andre Agassi in 2003.
Tennis fans around the world are in for more thrilling action as the French Open continues to serve up unforgettable moments!
Reference(s):
Alcaraz grinds past Shelton to advance to last eight at French Open
cgtn.com
