PARIS — Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz battled through a mental and physical test to overcome American Ben Shelton in a gripping four-set match, securing his spot in the French Open quarter-finals. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who has been vocal about his struggles with self-doubt, admitted afterward, "I fought myself in the mind more than my opponent today."
Alcaraz, the third seed, triumphed 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3 in a match that lasted just over three hours on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Despite flashes of brilliance, the young star faced moments of frustration, particularly during a tense second-set tiebreak where Shelton’s aggressive play forced errors. "I lost focus, and Ben took advantage. That’s when the battle in my head started," Alcaraz confessed.
A Test of Mental Resilience
The match was as much a psychological duel as a physical one. Alcaraz, known for his explosive shot-making, struggled at times with unforced errors (totaling 42) and occasional lapses in concentration. Shelton, the 15th seed, capitalized on these moments, particularly in the second set, where his powerful serve and fearless net play kept the pressure on.
Key moments that defined the match:
- Alcaraz’s dominant first set, where he broke Shelton twice
- Shelton’s clutch play in the tiebreak, saving two set points
- Alcaraz’s mid-match adjustment, opting for more topspin to neutralize Shelton’s power
Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, was seen urging his player to "stay present" during changeovers. The advice seemed to pay off in the third set, where Alcaraz regained control with a crucial break in the ninth game.
Shelton’s Valiant Effort
The 21-year-old Shelton, playing in his first French Open, showcased why he’s considered one of the most exciting young talents in tennis. His 18 aces and 52 winners kept Alcaraz guessing throughout the match. "I left everything out there," Shelton said. "Carlos just had answers when it mattered most."
Despite the loss, Shelton’s performance reinforced his reputation as a rising star. His ability to mix power with touch—evident in several delicate drop volleys—proved he’s adapting well to clay, a surface he once openly disliked.
Alcaraz’s Path Forward
With this victory, Alcaraz advances to face Stefanos Tsitsipas in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final clash. The Spaniard leads their head-to-head 5-0, including a straight-sets win in last year’s French Open quarter-finals.
Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Stefanos is playing great tennis. I’ll need to be better—more consistent, more focused. The battle with myself? That’s one I have to win first."
By the Numbers
A statistical breakdown of the match:
- Alcaraz won 72% of first-serve points compared to Shelton’s 68%
- Shelton hit more winners (52 to 45) but also more unforced errors (48 to 42)
- Alcaraz converted 5 of 12 break points
The defending champion’s ability to perform under pressure was evident in the fourth set, where he saved all three break points faced while breaking Shelton twice to close out the match.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Mindset
This match demonstrated why Alcaraz remains one of the favorites for the title. Despite not playing his best tennis, he found a way to win—a hallmark of great champions. As he put it: "Some days the ball doesn’t listen, but you have to keep talking to it. Today, we finally understood each other."
With Tsitsipas waiting and potential matchups against Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic looming, Alcaraz will need to win both the physical and mental battles to defend his crown. Based on today’s performance, he’s ready for the fight—both on the court and within himself.