New Delhi: Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the French Open quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory over Ben Shelton in a thrilling fourth-round encounter on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The defending champion overcame the American’s spirited challenge, winning 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that showcased both players’ resilience and skill.
The opening set was a tight contest with both players holding the serve to force a tiebreak. Alcaraz managed to edge out Shelton 10-8 in the tiebreaker, showing his dominance on the clay. The second set kicked off with sportsmanship on display. With the score at 7-6(8), 0-0, 30-30, the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz charged the net behind a forehand and tucked a neat volley into the open court. The American showed his trademark speed and power, raced across and whipped a cross-court forehand that forced Alcaraz into a full-stretch lunge.
The Spaniard managed to get his racket on the ball and appeared to hit a clean volley winner. The umpire initially awarded him the point, but in a moment that showcased his sportsmanship, Alcaraz quickly told the chair umpire that he had lost his grip on his racquet during the stretch and that the contact he made was not technically correct. The crowd responded with warm applause for his classy act.
Too much class from Carlitos, who gave the point to Ben Shelton after telling the chair umpire he did not have his racket in his hand when contact was made with the ball 👏#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ctCh7Lrrmq
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2025
He kept his form firm and capitalised on an early break to take a 3-0 lead. Despite Shelton trying to bounce back, he maintained the lead and closed the set 6-3.
Shelton demonstrated his fighting spirit in the third set and broke Alcaraz’s serve to take a 5-4 lead. He then held his nerve to serve out the set 6-4, reducing the match deficit to one set. The fourth set saw both players exchange breaks early on, but Alcaraz managed to secure a crucial break in the seventh game that gave him a lead of 4-3. The Spaniard then held his serve twice to clinch the set 6-4 and the match.
Warm embrace between 2 great competitors 🤝#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/pmDll4D2SX
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 1, 2025
What next?
This victory marks Alcaraz’s third consecutive quarterfinal appearance at Roland Garros. He will next face American Tommy Paul, who advanced after a straight-sets win over Alexei Popyrin. Another thriller match is on the cards as Alcaraz keeps his quest for a fifth Grand Slam alive.
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Ben Shelton in four sets to reach the French Open quarterfinals, showcasing resilience and sportsmanship in a thrilling match. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
