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Carlos Alcaraz wants to get “revenge” over Ben Shelton after losing a heartbreaker to the American at the US Open. The world No. 3 spent almost five months sidelined by a wrist injury this year and made his comeback in Flushing Meadows, reaching the quarter-finals before Shelton beat him in a final-set 10-point tiebreak after 3.30am local time. Last week, the 24-year-old also announced that he was hiring Alcaraz’s long-time former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, ahead of the 2027 season.
It’s been just six days since news of the Shelton and Ferrero partnership broke. Now, the American will take on Ferrero’s old protege. Alcaraz worked with the Spanish coach for seven years before they split last December, and won six of his seven Grand Slam titles with Ferrero in his corner.
The 46-year-old won’t join Shelton’s team until the off-season, but is expected to watch him in action at the upcoming ATP Finals. Before that, Alcaraz will try to avenge his late-night loss to Shelton at the US Open.
The second seed claimed a routine 6-4 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud to move into a maiden Paris Masters final and then said: “Well, I’m really happy and I’m really proud of myself. You know, this tournament, it’s always been really tough for me.
“I struggle every time that I come here. The furthest that I went was quarter-finals, so coming into this year, it’s an unusual year for me, a little bit different in terms of everything, let’s say. So I’m coming this part of the season much more fresh, hungry, ambitious, excited about going to the tournaments, stepping on the court, playing the matches, competing.
“So I’m just really happy that I make the final. So tomorrow is going to be a big day. I’m really happy, I’m excited, can’t wait for tomorrow. Trying to prepare [for] the match as best as I can, and giving myself a chance.”
And it’s no surprise that the US Open quarter-finals are on Alcaraz’s mind. “I really want to take the revenge against Ben,” he grinned. “Last time, it was a pretty tough match that it was just about tennis, so I’m going to try and do different things in those little moments, important moments that I probably did not well the last time. I’m pretty sure it’s going be a great match to watch and for me to play, and of course, to learn.”
The seven-time Major champion doubled down on those comments as he spoke to the Sky Sports team courtside on Saturday evening. Reflecting on his run so far, he explained: “Well, difficult conditions to be honest, for me.
“I think the speed of the court doesn’t suit pretty well to my game, but I tried to adapt my game as best as I can and I’m really happy. After every match, I would say, I’m feeling more comfortable, which is great, and I’m ready to take [on] Ben Shelton in the final.
“It’s probably one of the best and the most difficult challenges that we can face in tennis right now. Ben is playing great tennis, big serve, from the baseline he’s playing really solid, really strong physically. Last time we all know was 7-6 in the fifth, hell of a match. I’m going to try to do a little bit better the things that probably I did not well in that US Open match. I just love [it].
“I’m gonna enjoy this moment because I was chasing this moment, playing the final here for a long time the furthest I went it was quarter-finals so let’s see tomorrow but it’s going to be a big day for me.”
Alcaraz was almost eliminated from the tournament less than 24 hours ago when he faced two match points against Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals. He saved both and went on to win 6-7(10) 7-5 6-3. Now, he’s into his first final here, and his sixth of the season. Shelton has also reached six finals in 2026. But only one of them can lift the famous tree-branch trophy.
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