Carlos Alcaraz makes comment about Ben Shelton ahead of having to play him in Paris Masters final

Carlos Alcaraz has reached the final of the Paris Masters for the first time in his career.

Alcaraz beat Taylor Fritz in his quarter-final match after saving two match points, as he achieved his best ever result at the Paris Masters.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion then backed this win up, with Alcaraz beating Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first ever final at the Paris Masters and extend his winning streak to eight matches after winning the Vienna Open last week.

Alcaraz will play Ben Shelton, who is set to work with his former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero next year, in this final, who he lost to at the US Open earlier this year, and he has spoken about the American ahead of the Paris Masters final.

Carlos Alcaraz hoping to finish better against Ben Shelton than he did at the US Open

Alcaraz has won three of his four previous matches against Shelton, with his fifth set tie-break defeat at the US Open his first ever loss against the American.

Following his win over Ruud, Alcaraz spoke live to Sky Sports, where he was asked by Tim Henman about the quick conditions in Paris, which have been a big talking point this week, and the upcoming final against Shelton.

“Difficult conditions to be honest for me,” admitted Alcaraz. “The speed of the court does not suit my game but I try my best to adapt the best I can. I am really happy that after every match I would say I am feeling more comfortable, which is great.

“I am ready to take on Ben Shelton in the finals. It is probably one of the most difficult challenges I can face in tennis right now. He has a big serve, from the baseline he is playing really solidly, really strong physically.

“Last time it was 7-6 in the fifth, hell of a match, so I am going to try and do a bit better in the finish than I did in the US match but I am going to enjoy this moment. I was chasing this moment in Paris for a long time, the furthest I went was the quarter-finals so tomorrow is going to be a great day for me.”

Tim Henman and Ryan Harrison react after Carlos Alcaraz reaches the Paris Masters final

Before speaking to Alcaraz courtside after his win, Henman alongside former top 40 player Ryan Harrison gave their initial reaction to the Spaniard’s latest victory in the French capital, as they heaped praise on him.

“He was straight in at the deep end at the US Open and coming into the indoor season he has been fresher but when you get a court that is this fast it takes some adapting to,” said Henman. “Whatever the conditions he has found the solutions.”

Harrison added, “The way he is hitting his forehand, he is getting it a lot more through the court. Carlos can do whatever he wants with his forehand. He is understanding the conditions and why it translates so well. One of the reasons he has won all four majors is because it does translate so well.”

Alcaraz spent nearly five months on the injury sidelines with a wrist injury, but he has still been able to win four titles this year, including completing the Australian Open.

However, Alcaraz is yet to win a Masters 1000 title in 2026, with the Paris Masters being one of only three tournaments at this level to have evaded him. Alcaraz can get his hands on the prestigious Paris Masters title on Sunday, November 8, if he is able to enact revenge against Shelton from their US Open quarter-final.