Carlos Alcaraz eliminated Casper Ruud in straight sets in Paris, securing his first appearance in the tournament’s final. The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-4 in 86 minutes and will meet Ben Shelton for the title. Late breaks decided both sets, taking Alcaraz into his sixth final of the season and his 11th at Masters 1000 level.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz earned his first place in the Paris Masters title match by beating Norway’s Casper Ruud in Saturday’s semifinal. The tournament in the French capital now has Alcaraz in its final for the first time.[1], [2]
The score was 6-4, 6-4, with the match completed in 86 minutes. Ruud had saved break opportunities at 1-1 and 2-2 in the first set before losing serve in the seventh game. Alcaraz finished that opening set after 46 minutes.[1]
Neither player pulled clear early in the second set. At 4-4, Alcaraz found the opening, taking his second break opportunity of the set and then holding serve to close out the match. In the opening set he had won 78 per cent of first-serve points and 86 per cent behind his second delivery.[1]
Alcaraz’s next opponent is Ben Shelton, who defeated him in the US Open quarterfinals. The Spaniard said he wanted another chance against the American and needed to play the important points better. Paris is his sixth final this season, his 11th at Masters 1000 level and his 38th on the tour overall.[1]
