“It speaks to your versatility as a champion and the work you guys put in. I feel like I get better every time I'm on court with you. Super happy to have you back and healthy.”

Shelton continued by thanking everyone who worked behind the scenes at the tournament, adding: “To the French Federation, the tournament directors, the volunteers, transportation, the ball kids, umpires, practice desk. Everybody who makes this tournament possible.

“It’s quickly turned into one of my favourite Masters 1000s. This venue is amazing, and you guys continue to level up every year, so congratulations for everything you’ve built here and thanks for an amazing tournament.”

Like Alcaraz, Shelton had never been beyond the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters until this year. He came from a set down to beat two Frenchmen – Arthur Rinderknech and Luca Van Assche – this week, and thanked the crowd for being fair.

“Last but not least, to my team, to my parents who are over there as well. We put in a lot of work this year. A lot of weeks that you guys have been travelling with me, and we’ve been grinding it out. We got two more, not quite done yet, but thank you guys for your commitment to me, and the work continues. Love you guys.”

He’ll be hoping to have a better experience this time around, and Alcaraz is already backing the world No. 4 to do well. “I’m pretty sure next week in the Finals you’re going to be back even stronger. I’m going to be afraid a little bit of you!” the Spaniard joked.

And Shelton has already made waves with his off-season plans, as he will add Juan Carlos Ferrero – Alcaraz’s former coach of seven years – to his team. Their partnership is slated to start properly during the off-season, but Ferrero will keep an eye on Shelton in Turin later this month.