Paris (France) (AFP) – The Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, number three in the world, qualified on Saturday for his first Masters 1000 final in Paris, after beating the Norwegian Casper Ruud (23rd) by a double 6-4.

First modification: 07/11/2026 - 19:15

The 23-year-old from Murcia will face Ben Shelton, world number four, on Sunday, two months after their memorable US Open quarterfinal match in five sets, won by the American.

Thanks to his eighth consecutive indoor victory, after his title in Vienna (ATP 500), Alcaraz will compete for the first time in the final of the tournament in the French capital, where he has barely had any success since his complicated beginnings in 2021.

On Saturday he arrived confidently on center court to face Casper Ruud, an opponent whom he had won in six of their previous seven duels, including this season's Indian Wells Masters 1000.

The dominance was total in the first set for the owner of seven Grand Slam trophies, with a logical break when they were 3-3, while the Norwegian did not win a single rally and never managed to overwhelm Alcaraz in the game, with only three winners in his sleeve.

Afterwards, the clinical Spaniard broke serve again at the best moment, with the score at 4-4, after a too timid drop shot from Ruud that ended up in the net.

Alcaraz's hand did not tremble when serving to close the match, which ended in 1 hour and 26 minutes with his seventh ace of the match.

© 2026 AFP

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