Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton set for blockbuster rematch in final of Paris Masters

Carlos Alcaraz set up a rematch with US Open conqueror Ben Shelton after he eased into a maiden Paris Masters final with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud.

Seven-time grand slam champion Alcaraz lost out in an epic to Shelton at Flushing Meadow in September on his comeback from a four-month lay-off with a wrist injury.

The world number three has returned to the winners’ circle twice since his exit in the early hours in New York, but will aim to gain revenge on Shelton and secure another ATP 1000 title on Sunday.

US Open runner-up Shelton got the better of home favourite Luca Van Assche by a 5-7 6-3 6-4 score at the start of the day.

After Shelton’s two-hour-and-17-minute battle, all eyes in Paris were on Alcaraz, who saved two match points to defeat Taylor Fritz on Friday.

Ruud narrowly held off Alcaraz in two of his first three service games before the Spaniard broke to move 4-3 up and closed out the first set with a 130mph ace.

The second stayed on serve until Alcaraz picked the opportune moment to break to go 5-4 ahead and secured victory inside 97 minutes.

It made it eight wins in a row for Alcaraz, who reached an 11th Masters final, but first in Paris.

“This tournament has always been really tough for me. I’ve struggled every time,” Alcaraz said on court.

“I’ve come into this part of the season much fresher, hungry, ambitious, excited about coming to the tournaments and stepping on the court, playing matches and competing. I’m just really happy that I made the final.”

Shelton, meanwhile, reached the final when he rallied from a break down in the deciding set to beat Van Assche on Saturday.

The third-seeded American looked in trouble when the unseeded Frenchman broke his serve for a 3-1 lead in the third set.

But Shelton responded by winning the next four games to lead 5-3.

“I know there is always going to be some little chance I can execute,” Shelton said. “If I can be brave and keep winning my serve and stick with the guy, I feel there is a small window.”