11/05/2026 02:00:00
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11/05 13:58 CST Shelton's season best 43rd win moves him into Paris Masters
quarterfinals along with Alcaraz, Fritz
Shelton's season best 43rd win moves him into Paris Masters quarterfinals along
with Alcaraz, Fritz
By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Sports Writer
PARIS (AP) --- Ben Shelton beat Arthur Rinderknech 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) on
Thursday for a season's best 43rd win and a spot in the Paris Masters
quarterfinals.
The U.S. Open runner-up next faces No. 12 Tommy Paul in an all-American
contest. It will be their fifth career meeting, with the players on two wins
each, and the first since 2024.
"It's been a long time since we've been on the court, but I'm looking forward
to it," Shelton said. "He's in great form right now. A great player, a great
friend."
It was a good day for American players as 11th-seeded Taylor Fritz swept aside
No.6 seed Arthur Fils 6-3, 6-4 to maintain an outside chance of earning one of
the two remaining spots for the Nov. 15-22 ATP Finals in Turin.
Paul also remains in contention after earlier beating Quentin Halys 7-6 (3),
6-4 and Shelton hopes he makes it.
"I've been rooting for him all year to make a push and make it to Turin," said
Shelton, who is among the six players already qualified. "It will be fireworks
tomorrow."
Earlier, Carlos Alcaraz advanced after Matteo Berrettini withdrew from their
third-round match because of an arm injury. The big-serving Italian did not
specify which arm but said in an Instagram post that he has been in pain for a
few days.
The second-seeded Alcaraz next faces Fritz, who was imperious on serve with 14
aces, no double faults and no break points faced. Fritz won 77% of first serve
points and a remarkable 92% of second serve points.
He clinched victory with a love hold, winning on his first match point with a
crisp cross-court backhand.
Another Frenchman got home fans on their feet even before Fils had played, with
Luca Van Assche beating Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to reach his first-ever
Masters quarterfinal.
The No. 47-ranked Van Assche served out the match with a neat volley at the net
on his first match point against Musetti, who has reached at least the
quarterfinals at all four majors.
After beating Novak Djokovic in the second round, qualifier Rinky Hijikata
advanced with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Tomas Etcheverry and plays Van Assche
next.
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