Ben Shelton Punches His Ticket to Turin, Sends Andrey Rublev Packing in Paris

Ben Shelton is heading to his first-ever Nitto ATP Finals, and he did it with the kind of flair that’s making him must-see TV. On Thursday in the “City of Love,” Shelton played the role of heartbreaker, taking down Andrey Rublev 7-6(6), 6-3 in the third round of the Rolex Paris Masters. This wasn’t just another win; this was a statement.

How Did Shelton Get the Job Done?

The match was a pressure cooker from the get-go. The first set was a classic nail-biter, a tightrope walk where neither player blinked. It all came down to a tiebreaker, and at 7-6, Shelton unleashed a forehand winner so spectacular it probably left a scorch mark on the court. It was the kind of shot that makes you jump out of your seat, the kind that separates the contenders from the pretenders. Rublev, one of the fiercest competitors on tour, could only watch it zip by.

With the first set in his pocket, Shelton smelled blood in the water. He didn’t just maintain his level in the second set; he elevated it. He rolled through with a pair of breaks, looking every bit the top-tier player he’s become. The serving was simply untouchable. Shelton fired off 15 aces and did not hit a single double fault. He didn’t give Rublev a single look at a break point all afternoon. The whole masterclass took just an hour and 35 minutes.

Shelton’s Do-or-Die Mentality

After the match, Shelton didn’t mince words. He knew exactly what was on the line. “I knew going into today that this win qualified me,” he said, the relief and excitement palpable. “I was trying not to think about it… but I knew at the end of the day that if I want to be in control of my own destiny to go out and win today. I knew when I stepped on this court that I was going to have to die on this court before I went down.”

That’s the kind of raw, emotional talk you love to hear from an athlete. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about leaving everything out there. And he felt he did just that. “I thought I brought out my best performance in months,” Shelton said. “This is the best tennis I’ve played since my injury… to feel what I felt on the court today is what I’m most proud about.”

A Season To Remember For Shelton

This victory continues a phenomenal breakout year for the 23-year-old American. From a stunning run to the Australian Open semifinals to capturing his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Shelton has been on a rocket ship to the top. A pesky shoulder injury at the U.S. Open was the only thing that could slow him down, but his performance in Paris proves he’s back to his world-beating best.

Now, with a spot in the prestigious year-end finals in Turin secured, Shelton can focus on making a deep run in Paris. He’s set to face either Jannik Sinner or Francisco Cerundolo in the quarterfinals. For a player with his firepower and newfound confidence, you have to wonder: Is another title on the horizon? Don’t bet against him.