Ben Shelton reached the semi-finals of the Paris Masters on Friday, becoming the first American to do so at the tournament since 2017. The world number four edged out compatriot Tommy Paul in a three-set quarter-final, winning 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a match decided by a single break of serve in each set.
Shelton broke Paul late in the first set, capitalising on two double faults at 4-5 to claim the opening frame with a forehand winner. Paul responded immediately in the second set, breaking Shelton in the opening game and holding his nerve to take the set 6-4. The deciding set saw Shelton regain control, breaking Paul in the fourth game with an inside-out forehand that clipped the outside of the line. He then maintained his advantage to close out the match.
At 24 years old, Shelton is the first American to reach the last four of this ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris since John Isner and Jack Sock both made the semi-finals in 2017, with Sock going on to win the title. For Paul, ranked 14th in the world, the loss ended his hopes of claiming his first Masters trophy and dashed his chances of qualifying for this year’s ATP Finals.
The defeat for Paul means Frances Tiafoe, who exited in the second round earlier this week, is now confirmed as the American representative at the season-ending tournament in Turin, scheduled for November 15-22.
Shelton will face either France’s Luca Van Assche or Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the semi-finals. Later on Friday, Carlos Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is set to play Taylor Fritz for a spot in the last four. Casper Ruud, a former world number two, will close the day’s action against Portuguese lucky loser Nuno Borges.
According to Yahoo Sports.
