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Paris Masters drama: Shelton battles and Sinner withdraws

Just two days after reaching the finals at the Swiss Indoors, Ben Shelton was back on the court for his first match in the Rolex Paris Masters, facing Corentin Moutet.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo October 30, 2024

Ben Shelton defeats Corentin Moutet / Photo via ATP

The Paris Masters, the last ATP 1000 tournament of the year, holds a unique intensity as players make their final moves in the 2024 season, and the young Ben Shelton, eager to solidify his ranking, showed resilience and focus. He managed to defeat Corentin Moutet in a hard-fought three-set battle: 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3.

Ranked World No. 70, Moutet came in with the advantage of home-court support, and his Parisian fans gave him plenty of energy as he pushed Shelton into the third set. Moutet’s dynamic play, enhanced by occasional trick shots, kept the audience—and social media—buzzing as he threatened Shelton’s bid to advance.

However, Shelton’s serve and endurance gave him the upper hand, helping him hold off the spirited Frenchman and seal the match with a few key shots late in the final set. Shelton ended the match with 34 winners and 36 unforced errors, compared to Moutet’s 24 winners and 26 errors, and secured a promising outlook for the next rounds in Paris.

Shelton conquers

Shelton was originally scheduled to face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the next round. However, Sinner’s sudden withdrawal from the tournament due to illness left the path clear for Shelton to make a stronger run in Paris.

Instead, he’ll face Arthur Cazaux in the second round on Wednesday evening on the tournament’s main court, with a potential third-round clash against Holger Rune looming in the bracket.

For Shelton, this matchup against Cazaux marks his fourth consecutive battle with a French opponent. Just last weekend, Shelton defeated Arthur Fils in the Basel semifinals (6-3, 7-6) before falling to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the finals (6-4, 7-6).

His latest win over Moutet in Paris (6-3, 6-7, 6-3) adds another chapter to his record, currently 2-1, against French players. As he heads into this new showdown against Cazaux, Shelton aims to secure another victory and further strengthen his season finish in one of the year’s most competitive tournaments.

With his serve and stamina in top form, Shelton’s run in Paris is far from over, and each round brings a new test and chance to end his year on a high note.

Other matches

Francisco Cerúndolo, currently ranked No. 29 in the ATP standings, continues to make waves at the Paris Masters 1000. Facing off against Andrey Rublev, ranked No. 7, Cerúndolo put up a fierce fight, ultimately earning a hard-fought victory with two tiebreaks, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), to secure his place in the round of 16.

The start of the match seemed daunting for the Argentine, as he fell behind 1-4, with Rublev looking nearly impenetrable. However, Cerúndolo gradually leveled the playing field, and momentum shifted. By the time they reached the tiebreak, the 26-year-old elevated his game, clinching the first set with a show of determination and resilience.

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Paris Masters drama: Shelton battles and Sinner withdraws

Shelton conquers

Other matches

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Shelton conquers

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