Carlos Alcaraz came through a very awkward-looking match against Ben Shelton with relative ease in the end, winning in four sets at the French Open.
The Spanish performer is looking to retain the title he won at Roland Garros for the first time in his career last year and will now face another American in Tommy Paul, for a place in the semi-final.
Alcaraz was praised during his match for an act of sportsmanship. He refused to take a point when the umpire called his shot good, despite the Spaniard simply throwing the racket at the ball and relinquishing control of his equipment.
It merely showcased the level of person that Alcaraz is, and after the match, Shelton and the reigning champion took to Instagram to heap praise on each other for their continued efforts in the last 16 clash.
Ben Shelton issues two-word response after Carlos Alcaraz beat him
Shelton will keep trying to claim one of the big titles after his French Open exit. This run to the fourth round is the best he’s achieved at the tournament and he can take some confidence from that.
After the match, Alcaraz posted a message on social media paying tribute to Shelton, which read: “Well played Ben Shelton. It was a fun match. Happy to be in the quarters of Roland Garros.”
Shelton clearly has mutual respect for Alcaraz and posted back an emphatic two-word response, which said, ‘too good’ to the Spaniard, who will now hope to send another American player packing on Tuesday.
Alcaraz looks to be getting better with each round at the tournament. He’s showing no signs of fatigue just yet and he will hope to come through the match with Paul comfortably to prepare properly for the semi-finals later in the week.
Carlos Alcaraz stats vs Ben Shelton
Shelton did at least make Alcaraz work by pinching a set off of him in their latest clash, but ultimately, the Spaniard just had a little bit too much class and guile for the 22-year-old.
Alcaraz is in pursuit of another Grand Slam at the French Open, and having not won one since Wimbledon last year, his desire to get hold of another one will be strong at the moment.
| Carlos Alcaraz stats vs Ben Shelton | Total |
| Aces | 5 |
| Double Faults | 2 |
| Break Points | 3/7 |
| Points Won | 140 |
| Games Won | 23 |
It’s always a busy period for the players once the French Open gets underway, and quickly after Roland Garros, the stars will hit the grass to prepare for the penultimate major of the year.
Alcaraz looks in great shape right now, however, and on this form, it’s hard to find a solid reason as to why he won’t go on and claim a second successive French Open title next weekend.
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