What Ben Shelton can be the first American to do in 23 years at the Paris Masters as he wins again

Ben Shelton marched into the Paris Masters quarter-finals after overcoming the challenge of Arthur Rinderknech on Thursday afternoon.

Shelton, the world number four, found himself in hot water against the home favourite after conceding the opening set.

The American refused to be quelled, eventually triumphing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 inside the Plenitude Arena.

Shelton, who will play Tommy Paul in the next round, is seeking to win his second Masters 1000 title of the year.

If the 23-year-old manages to do so, he will snap an unfortunate American streak on the ATP Tour.

Ben Shelton can become the first American player since Andy Roddick to win multiple Masters 1000 titles in a calendar year

In 2003, Andy Roddick captured back-to-back Masters titles at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, defeating David Nalbandian and Mardy Fish in the respective finals.

Roddick went on to win his only Grand Slam title at the US Open, capturing the world number one ranking in the process.

Since 2004, six different American men have won Masters titles: Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, Jack Sock, John Isner, Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton.

However, between 2004 and 2025, none of these players won multiple Masters titles in the same calendar year.

Ben Shelton now has the opportunity to end the streak in Paris.

The American superstar, who has hired Juan Carlos Ferrero as his coach for the 2027 season, will play Tommy Paul in the Paris Masters quarter-finals later this week.

Ben Shelton’s Masters 1000 titles

• 2025 Canadian Open – defeated Karen Khachanov in the final, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6
• 2026 Canadian Open – defeated Brandon Nakashima in the final, 6-3, 7-6

If Shelton emerges victorious from the contest, he will likely need to defeat Lorenzo Musetti and Carlos Alcaraz to win the title.

Ben Shelton’s Masters 1000 debut

Shelton made his first-ever Masters 1000 appearance at the 2022 Cincinnati Open.

The American, then 19 years old, triumphed on his debut, beating qualifier Lorenzo Sonego 7-6, 3-6, 7-5.

Shelton then stunned fifth seed Casper Ruud, winning 6-3, 6-3.

Cameron Norrie brought the curtain down on Shelton’s campaign, beating the teenager 6-0, 6-2 in the third round.