Tie-break drama & dominance: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes Ben Shelton challenge in Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz survived a tough match against Ben Shelton, winning 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, and advancing to the quarterfinals of the French Open. The Spaniard achieved his 11th consecutive victory at Roland Garros and remains in impeccable form as he seeks to defend the trophy he won in 2024.

The world No. 2 managed to maintain composure in a fiercely contested first set, saving three set points against him in a tight tie-break. From that point, he seized the momentum of the match and ultimately imposed his authority to reach a 19-1 record in this clay-court swing.

First Set

The first set was full of emotions, with both players fighting on return, though without managing to trouble their opponent. Up to 3-3, no break points had been played yet, with both serving at over 60% and over 70% effectiveness on the first serve. In the 7th game, Alcaraz got his first break opportunity, but couldn't convert it.

Without major hitches, everything led to the tie-break, where Shelton quickly took a 4-1 lead, surprising his opponent. Carlitos maintained composure to recover the mini-break, but the American again took the lead, going up 6-4. Then came Alcaraz's comeback, as he saved three set points – and squandered one in his favor – winning 6 of the last 8 points. He closed a complicated tie-break 7-6 [10-8], taking the lead when it seemed he would start at a disadvantage.

Second Set

The second set began, maintaining the tone of the tie-break. In the first game, Shelton had six break opportunities, but the Spaniard managed to escape each one. After that, things leveled again, with both defending their serves well, although Shelton showed more effectiveness, avoiding long rallies against the defending champion.

Nevertheless, the set was decided in the crucial moments. When Alcaraz was up 4-3, Shelton started with a double fault and couldn't land first serves, allowing Alcaraz to get the break and then, with his serve, take the set. He won 12 of the last 15 points played and closed out a favorable 6-3 set, totaling 13 winners against Shelton's mere 5.

Third Set

With a two-set lead, Alcaraz knew the pressure was on his opponent, who faced a titanic task to mount a comeback. Shelton showed resilience, displaying better numbers in terms of first serve and its effectiveness, both over 70%. The American got the first break in the 4th game, but it counted for little when Alcaraz broke back in the very next game.

The Spanish four-time Grand Slam champion leveled things, and everything remained open until 4-4. This time, Alcaraz failed to hold his serve while fighting to clinch the set, and Shelton secured the break that gave him the set 6-4, extending the match to a fourth set. A deserved set for the American, who was more incisive throughout.

Fourth Set

The fourth set showed the best of both players on serve, with both around 75% first serve percentage and points won with it. The Spaniard, however, got the first break and poured all his energy into getting ahead 3-1.

Already on his way to a potential victory, he managed to hold his serve – despite not greatly threatening his opponent's serve. Alcaraz led 5-3, at which point Shelton had to defend his serve to stay in the match. Under pressure, the American held his nerve, but then could do nothing to regain the break. Alcaraz stepped on the gas to claim the victory on his first match point, winning 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

Alcaraz returns to the Roland Garros quarterfinals and is preparing for a tough match against American Tommy Paul. The world No. 12 comes from defeating Alexei Popyrin in straight sets and will arrive confident to face Alcaraz. The head-to-head currently favors the Spaniard 4-2.

Match Statistics Shelton vs. Alcaraz