Carlos Alcaraz defeated Ben Shelton in the Paris final on Sunday, but the Spanish star acknowledged the rising American's threat for future encounters. Speaking after his victory, Alcaraz said he would be "afraid" of facing Shelton again, praising the 22-year-old's powerful game and rapid development on the ATP Tour.
The final, played at the Accor Arena in Paris, marked another chapter in the emerging rivalry between the two young stars. Alcaraz, 23, secured the title with a hard-fought win over Shelton, who has surged into the top 10 this season with his aggressive serve-and-forehand combination.
"He's an incredible player, very complete, and he's improving every tournament," Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. "I'm going to be afraid of him in the next matches, for sure."
Shelton, the 2023 US Open semifinalist, pushed Alcaraz deep into the match before the Spaniard's experience and tactical variety proved decisive. The American's run to the final in Paris confirms his status as one of the tour's most dangerous hard-court players.
With both players in their early 20s, their rivalry is expected to shape men's tennis for years to come. Alcaraz's candid admission highlights the respect he holds for Shelton's trajectory, setting the stage for compelling future matchups across all surfaces.
