Shelton Grinds Past Rinderknech
Ben Shelton secured a place in the Paris Masters quarterfinals on Thursday by defeating Arthur Rinderknech 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5). The victory was Shelton's 43rd of the season, his highest single-season total. The American, who finished as runner-up at the U.S. Open, dropped the opening set before recovering to take the second and edge a decisive tiebreak.[S1][S2][S3]
Shelton's next opponent is No. 12 seed Tommy Paul, setting up an all-American quarterfinal. The two have met four times previously and are level at two wins apiece, though they have not faced each other since 2024. Shelton said it had been a long time since they shared a court and that he was eager for the match, describing Paul as a strong player and a close friend in excellent form.[S1]
Paul Keeps Turin Hopes Alive
Paul advanced earlier by beating Quentin Halys 7-6 (3), 6-4 in the third round, keeping alive his outside chance of claiming one of the two remaining berths for the ATP Finals, scheduled for Nov. 15-22 in Turin. Shelton, already among the six players qualified for the event, said he had been supporting Paul throughout the year in his push to reach Turin and predicted an entertaining contest between them.[S1]
Alcaraz Advances Without Playing
Carlos Alcaraz moved into the quarterfinals after Matteo Berrettini withdrew from their third-round match because of an arm injury. The big-serving Italian did not identify which arm was affected but said in an Instagram post that he had been in pain for several days. The second-seeded Alcaraz will face the winner of a later Thursday match between sixth-seeded Arthur Fils of France and No. 11 Taylor Fritz.[S1][S4]
Fritz is also pursuing a place at the ATP Finals, and a defeat for him later on Thursday would secure qualification for his fellow American Frances Tiafoe.[S1]
Van Assche and Hijikata Break Through
Luca Van Assche gave the home crowd reason to celebrate before Fils took the court, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to reach the first Masters quarterfinal of his career. The No. 47-ranked Frenchman closed out the match with a tidy volley at the net on his first match point against Musetti, who has reached at least the quarterfinals at all four major tournaments.[S1]
Qualifier Rinky Hijikata, who upset Novak Djokovic in the second round, continued his run with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Tomas Etcheverry. Hijikata will meet Van Assche in the next round.[S1]
