Revenge could be sweet as Alcaraz faces nemesis Shelton

Carlos Alcaraz will get a chance to avenge a recent loss as he faces off against Ben Shelton in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday.

Two months ago, the American knocked out then-world No. 1 Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the US open, dealing a blow to the 23-year-old Spaniard.

But Saturday’s  6-4, 6-4 win by Alcaraz over Casper Ruud in the semi-finals sets up the revenge final in the French capital.

Alcaraz earned a pedestrian win over the Norwegian, providing just enough energy to reach a third final from his last four tournaments.

He won titles in Tokyo and Vienna, going out in the Shanghai third round.

 “I want to take revenge against Ben,” Alcaraz said. “”I’ll try to do things differently in this match.

“I’m sure it will be a great one to watch.”

Alcaraz was untroubled by Ruud, whom he now leads 7-1 in their career series. The Paris second seed will play his 11th Masters final when he takes on Shelton, who defeated France’s Luca Van Assche in a three-set fightback.

Alcaraz took 86 minutes to reach the title match, ending with 20 winners.

“I’m really happy and proud of myself,” said the player who missed a third of the season with a spring-summer wrist injury, 

“This tournament has always been tough for me, I struggle every time I come here.

“But this has been an unusual year for me (injury absence) and I’m much fresher and more ambitious.

“I’m excited every time I step onto the court, I”m excited to be back. And happy to make the final.

“I can’t wait for tomorrow, I give myself a chance.”

Main photo:-Carlos Alcaraz into Paris Masters final – by ISF Ltd