Ben Shelton breaks personal record as he sets up Paris Masters QF vs Tommy Paul

Ben Shelton defeated Arthur Rinderknech, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6, in the third round of the Paris Masters.

The world number four fought back from a set down to book his place in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. In doing so, Shelton not only set up an All-American clash with Tommy Paul, but he also set a personal record.

Shelton has now won more matches in 2026 than he has in any other season of his professional career. Defeating Rinderknech, Shelton surpassed his tally from 2025.

Ben Shelton sets new personal record of 43 wins in a season

The American star has won 43 matches this season. It’s an impressive record, especially when considering the number of tournaments where Shelton struggled. Shelton failed to win a single match at six tournaments this year.

Ben Shelton’s 2026 record (43-18)

He won’t want to finish his season on 43 wins, though. Shelton could yet improve his win tally to 51 by the end of the year. Three more wins would see the American lift the Paris Masters title, and a perfect ATP Finals campaign would earn him another five victories.

However, that’s easier said than done. Several tough challenges await Shelton in Paris before he faces some of the best players in the men’s game in Turin at the ATP Finals.

Does Ben Shelton have the edge against Tommy Paul ahead of Paris Masters match?

Shelton and Paul have met four times previously. They are tied at 2-2 in their head-to-head, but haven’t played since February 2024, 999 days ago. Shelton will walk onto the court as the favourite, being the higher-ranked player, although you could argue Paul will be more motivated.

Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul’s head-to-head record (2-2)

• 2023 Australian Open QF – Tommy Paul defeated Ben Shelton, 7-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
• 2023 US Open 4R – Ben Shelton defeated Tommy Paul, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
• 2023 Japan Open QF – Ben Shelton defeated Tommy Paul, 7-6, 6-3
• 2024 Dallas Open SF – Tommy Paul defeated Ben Shelton, 6-2, 6-4

Paul still has an outside chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals, but to do so, he must reach the Paris Masters final. Shelton, on the other hand, has already booked his ticket to Turin and may already have one eye on the year-end championships.

It’s tough to predict who will emerge victorious when they face off on Friday, November 6, but who awaits the Americans in the semis? Whoever wins between Paul and Shelton will advance to face Rinky Hijikata, Lorenzo Musetti, or Luca Van Assche.