Carlos Alcaraz moved one step closer to his first Paris Masters title after defeating Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals. The Spaniard produced a controlled performance to secure his place in Sunday's championship match, where he will face Ben Shelton for the trophy.
The world No. 3 had to work for his advantage in both sets, with Ruud showing resistance and saving several break points during the opening stages. However, Alcaraz gradually took control of the match, making the most of his opportunities and keeping his own service games largely under control.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Alcaraz, who had never previously reached the final in Paris. After his dramatic quarter-final comeback against Taylor Fritz, when he saved two match points, the Spaniard has now followed that performance with a much more composed display to reach the final without dropping a set.
Shelton awaits after beating home favourite Luca Van Assche 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Alcaraz will therefore have the opportunity to complete his Paris campaign with a first title at the tournament and add another Masters 1000 trophy to his collection.
Alcaraz takes control after breaking Ruud late in opening set
The first set was closely contested, with both players finding ways to protect their serve despite some early pressure. Ruud had to work through several demanding service games, saving a break point at 2-1 before escaping further trouble as Alcaraz began to look increasingly comfortable from the baseline.
The Spaniard was particularly effective behind his serve, winning more than 71% of his service points during the opening stages compared to 62% for Ruud. That difference became increasingly important as the set progressed, with Alcaraz putting the Norwegian under pressure whenever rallies extended.
After missing earlier opportunities, Alcaraz finally made the breakthrough at 3-3. A strong crosscourt forehand forced an error from Ruud, allowing the Spaniard to take the lead before consolidating the break with a solid service game. He then closed out the set 6-4 with a love hold, winning four of the final five games.
Spaniard seals final spot with another decisive break
Ruud managed to remain competitive at the beginning of the second set, holding serve to take a 1-0 lead and keeping the score close through the middle stages. Alcaraz responded consistently, however, and neither player managed to create a decisive opening as the set reached 4-4.
The key moment arrived in the ninth game. Alcaraz raised his level to earn three break points and converted the second, taking a 5-4 lead at the perfect time. With the opportunity to serve for the match, the Spaniard showed no signs of nerves, completing a comfortable hold to seal the 6-4, 6-4 victory.
After surviving a dramatic quarter-final against Fritz, Alcaraz delivered a more controlled performance when it mattered most. He will now play his first Paris Masters final against Shelton, with the chance to finish the tournament with a title that had previously eluded him.
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
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