# Alcaraz beats Ruud to set up Paris Masters final against Shelton

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/alcaraz-beats-ruud-to-set-up-paris-masters-final-against-shelton/
- Published: 2026-11-07T18:51:13+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T18:54:12+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz, Paris Masters, Taylor Fritz, US Open

## Key points

- Carlos Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first Paris Masters final, after saving two match points against Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals.
- In the final he will face Ben Shelton, who beat him at this year's US Open; Alcaraz has won three of their four previous meetings.
- Alcaraz admitted the fast court conditions don't suit his game, but said he feels more comfortable after each match. He has yet to win a Masters 1000 in 2026.

## Article

Carlos Alcaraz reached the Paris Masters final for the first time by beating Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4. The Spaniard had already got past Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals, saving two match points.

With this win, Alcaraz extended his winning run to eight matches, having won the Vienna Open the previous week.

## Shelton is the opponent in the final

In the final, Alcaraz will face Ben Shelton, who has already inflicted a defeat on him at the US Open this year. The Spaniard has won three of their four previous meetings, with the only loss coming in a match decided by a fifth-set tie-break in New York.

Ahead of the final, Alcaraz acknowledged the difficulty his opponent poses.

## Alcaraz talks about the fast court conditions

After the win over Ruud, Alcaraz spoke live to Sky Sports, where Tim Henman asked him about the fast conditions on court in Paris, a recurring topic during the week. “Difficult conditions for me, to be honest,” Alcaraz admitted. “The speed of the court doesn’t suit my game, but I try to adapt as best I can. I’m really happy that, after every match, I feel more and more comfortable, which is great.”

The Spaniard sounded confident ahead of the match against Shelton. “He’s probably one of the toughest challenges I can face in tennis right now. He has a great serve, and from the back of the court he plays very solidly, and he’s physically very strong. Last time it was 7-6 in the fifth, it was a great match, so I’ll try to do a little better at the end than I did in the US Open match, but I’m going to enjoy this moment. I’ve been chasing this moment in Paris for a long time; the furthest I’ve reached was the quarter-finals, so tomorrow will be a big day for me.”

Henman and former player Ryan Harrison praised Alcaraz’s adaptation to the fast conditions. Henman pointed out that, despite the challenge, the Spaniard has been finding solutions. Harrison added that the way Alcaraz has been hitting his forehand has been impressive.

## A title still missing in 2026

Alcaraz spent almost five months out of competition with a wrist injury and has won four titles this year, including the Australian Open. However, he has yet to win a Masters 1000 in 2026, and Paris is one of three tournaments at this level that have eluded him.

The Spaniard will have the chance to win the title on Sunday, 8 November, if he can get his revenge against Shelton. Earlier, the American had already [reached the final in Paris](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/ben-shelton-iguala-recorde-de-jannik-sinner-ao-alcancar-final-em-paris/).