Ben Shelton Rallies Past Luca Van Assche to Reach Paris Masters Final
Ben Shelton rallied from a break down in the deciding set to defeat Luca Van Assche 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday, advancing to the Paris Masters final. The Associated Press reported that the third-seeded American overcame a 3-1 deficit in the final set by winning four consecutive games to seize control of the match.
Shelton found himself in trouble early in the third frame when the unseeded Frenchman broke his serve. However, the U.S. Open runner-up responded immediately. I know there is always going to be some little chance I can execute,
Shelton said. If I can be brave and keep winning my serve and stick with the guy, I feel there is a small window.
Turning the Match Around After a Tight First Set
Van Assche appeared in his first Masters semifinal and edged a tight opening set before Shelton leveled the match. Shelton completed a love hold in the second set with a sharp backhand volley at the net. Striking a whipped forehand pass down the line off Shelton’s looping serve, Van Assche claimed a 3-1 lead, though he subsequently seemed to lose physical steam as the set progressed.
Shelton broke straight back, held to love for 3-3, and broke a second time. He secured a 5-3 lead with his 19th ace of the match, drawing a smile before serving out the contest. I made a significant amount of forehand unforced errors in the first set and, really, my goal after that was to cut out those unforced errors (and) use the speed of the court to my advantage,
Shelton said. I really found a great rhythm.
Chasing a Third Masters Title in Paris
The victory moves the 24-year-old American closer to his fifth title of the year and the eighth overall of his career. Shelton is also on course for a third Masters title, having twice won the National Bank Open in Montreal.
To capture the championship, Shelton will go up against whoever emerges victorious in Saturday’s later match between Spanish seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz and Norwegian three-time major runner-up Casper Ruud. The second-seeded Alcaraz saved two match points on Friday. Meanwhile, Van Assche exits the tournament, seeking to build on his only career title won earlier this year on outdoor clay at Estoril in Portugal.
Ben Shelton is a Paris finalist! 🤩 He defeats Van Assche 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to progress to his 6th tour level final of the season! 💪@RolexPMasters | #RolexParisMasters | @BenShelton pic.twitter.com/9PTQ05GjOk
Shelton Advances Toward Another Title
Shelton’s appearance in the Paris Masters final moves him closer to his fifth title of the year and eighth overall. Having already twice won the National Bank Open in Montreal, he continues to cement his status on the ATP Tour’s biggest stages.
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