A blockbuster matchup is set to take place in the fourth round of Roland Garros, as Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton meet for the third time in their careers.
The reigning champion escaped a near scare in his third-round clash with Damir Dzumhur, finishing the job against the Bosnian after dropping the third set.
Alcaraz hasn’t had the most convincing start to his title defence in Paris, and his next opponent will be the toughest test so far at the French Open.
Shelton‘s campaign got off to a rocky start when the American was taken to a fifth set with Lorenzo Sonego, but ultimately emerged victorious.
After a straight sets victory against Matteo Gigante, to continue his pursuit of a maiden major title, he will now have to get past the ATP number two, who had words for his opponent ahead of the match.
Carlos Alcaraz says what he thinks about Ben Shelton ahead of their match at Roland Garros
Speaking on Shelton’s game after winning in the third round, Alcaraz said: “He has grown a lot during the last three years, even during the last year.
“I’ve talked a lot about him personally, and have a huge respect for him,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion.
“The things he’s doing are great. The results are great. I have to be ready for that.
“He’s playing great, so it’s going to be an interesting match, a really powerful player, and it’s going to be a good one.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s record against Ben Shelton ahead of their clash at Roland Garros
Alcaraz currently leads the head-to-head against Shelton, with both victories coming on hard court.
In 2023, the two had their first bout at the Canadian Open in Toronto, where Alcaraz won in straight sets, following a second-set tiebreak.
| Tournament | Score |
|---|---|
| Laver Cup 2024 Round Robin | 6-4, 6-4 Alcaraz |
| Canadian Open 2023 Third Round | 6-3, 7-6 Alcaraz |
Their second time playing against each other was in the round robin of the 2024 Laver Cup, which once again went the way of the Spaniard 6-4, 6-4.
The meeting between Alcaraz and Shelton at Roland Garros will be their first on clay and will mark their first clash at a Grand Slam event.
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