One of the few big titles missing from his collection is now his. Spain’s biggest tennis star capped a strong week by beating one of the sport’s rising Americans.
Carlos Alcaraz beat Ben Shelton 7 to 6, 7 to 5 on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, to win the Paris Masters for the first time, a week after winning the title in Vienna.
How did Alcaraz win the Paris Masters?
Alcaraz, the second seed, saved six break points in the first set, including four after falling behind 0 to 40 in the fourth game. He won the tiebreaker 7 to 5.
In the second set, he trailed 4 to 2 before breaking back when Shelton hit a forehand long. From there, he took control and clinched the match on his second match point with a backhand winner down the line.
He managed it despite Shelton’s powerful serve. The American hit 12 aces to six for Alcaraz in the Paris Masters final. Alcaraz said Shelton’s serve comes with so much speed and power that it is hard to control.
What did the Paris Masters title mean to Alcaraz?
Alcaraz threw his arms wide in celebration and appeared to briefly cry. He said the title was something he had been chasing for a long time, noting that some of the toughest losses of his career came in Paris.
He said he finally found the right level and the right way to do things there, and that he took a step forward mentally by staying positive and controlling his emotions in every match.
It was his ninth Masters title, the tier just below the Grand Slams, and his first at the Paris Masters.
How has Alcaraz’s season gone?
Alcaraz, 23, missed more than four months this year with an injured right wrist. Since returning after the U.S. Open, he has won all three finals he has reached, including the Japan Open. The injury raised questions about his season.
He now has five titles this year and 29 in his career. He has also won seven Grand Slam titles.
It was not always easy this week. He saved two match points against Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals on Friday.
What did Shelton say after the Paris Masters final?
Shelton, 24, said he was frustrated about missed chances, noting that the window against a player like Alcaraz is small and that another opportunity rarely comes. He said that speaks to how clutch Alcaraz is.
He said playing the best players in big matches teaches him a lot and that he is excited to face the top eight players in the world at the ATP Finals.
Shelton, who was seeking his third Masters title and eighth overall, recently hired Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s former coach. The two players showed no tension, applauding each other’s shots, and Alcaraz walked around the net to hug Shelton after the match. Ferrero coached Alcaraz for seven years before they split last year.
Alcaraz has now won four of their five meetings. Shelton’s lone win came in a marathon quarterfinal at the U.S. Open that ended in the middle of the night. Shelton went on to reach that final before losing to Alexander Zverev.
What is next after the Paris Masters?
Both players head to the ATP Finals in Turin, which begin next Sunday. Alcaraz has never won the season finale and said he feels in a good position to change that.
With titles in Vienna and at the Paris Masters, Alcaraz arrives in Turin as one of the favorites. His recent form suggests he will be tough to beat.
