Rolex Paris Masters: Alcaraz earns another star

Starter, main course, dessert

Fresh from claiming a 28th career title in Vienna, Carlos Alcaraz revealed the menu before the first course arrived. "Sooner or later I’ll do great in this tournament," he said when asked about his historically complicated relationship with the Rolex Paris Masters. Never one to put things off until tomorrow, the seven-time Grand Slam champion turned both wish and promise into reality at the very first opportunity, conquering Paris in 2026.

Following a controlled opening victory over Alex Michelsen, “Carlitos” was propelled into the quarter-finals after Matteo Berrettini was forced to withdraw with an elbow injury following his win against Ugo Humbert. It was at that stage of the tournament that he served up his signature dish, the now-famous ”comeback from another planet with a big smile”.

Pushed to the limit by Taylor Fritz, fresh from his win over ATP Finals qualifier Arthur Fils, Alcaraz saved two match points, turned the match on its head and repeatedly brought the crowd to its feet with his court coverage, touch and breathtaking shot-making.

That spectacular, high-quality contest, during which he produced one of the points of the year, occasionally felt like his Roland-Garros final and ultimately proved to be a genuine turning point.

"I just wanted to enjoy myself, and that helped the nerves disappear. Once I started letting my shots go, I found my smile again and fed off the energy from the crowd. That really helped me. Once I rediscovered that feeling, I enjoyed every second on court, and that was the key," he explained after the comeback. "Today’s match reminded me a little of that Roland-Garros final last year. The support I received today was incredible. I had missed playing in Paris, and tonight I really understand why. It’s such a special place! This will probably go down as one of the most special matches I’ve ever played. I’ll remember it for a very long time."

His growing momentum and increasing authority were confirmed in the semi-finals against Casper Ruud, earning him a maiden Paris final and an opportunity for revenge against Ben Shelton, who had defeated him in their epic clash on Arthur Ashe Stadium in September.

Driven by an insatiable appetite for victory and entertainment, Alcaraz once again impressed the judges, overcoming the American showman’s enormous serve and power. He won his sixth tie-break in his last seven, recovered from a break down and eventually sealed the title on Shelton’s serve, 7-6(5), 7-5 after 1 hour and 57 minutes.

"Today was one of the toughest challenges we have in tennis, facing Ben," he said after receiving the Arbre de Fanti trophy. "He is a great player, person, champion and he is doing better and better every tournament. I am just really happy I found a way. Putting his serves into play and trying to be myself on court. I am really happy I finally got it and this one is going to be really special"

The cherry on top of a perfect week, one that Alcaraz himself described as his best since returning from injury. "This is probably my best week in terms of tennis," he said. "I can match it with Vienna that I feel really comfortable in terms of tennis. But I would say this one, this week, I made one step forward mentally. I had a lot of really tough moments. I'm not saying match point down, but during the matches, I faced important and really tough moments internally.

“I was fighting with myself, trying to be positive, trying to stay strong mentally, and not letting those negative thoughts put into the game. I'm just really happy that I just controlled my emotions, controlled my thoughts every moment, every single match. So for me, I made one step forward with that, but probably these two past weeks have been the best that I played since my comeback."

A collection that keeps growing

This long-awaited and highly coveted triumph therefore represents the 29th title of his career, the fifth in a season during which he was sidelined for four months, and his ninth Masters 1000 crown across seven different events.

"It is something I have been chasing for a long time," Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. "Some of the toughest defeats I ever had in my career I have had here. Finally I got my level here. I found the right path and the right way to do things. I am really proud of myself and the team. The way they have pushed me forward. This one means a lot to me."

Among the Masters 1000 tournaments, only Shanghai and the Canadian Open remain absent from the world No. 3’s collection. Already a champion at every Grand Slam event, he still has an opportunity to add another milestone before the season draws to a close.

Not only will the 2025 finalist return to Turin to defend his points, he will arrive as the man to beat, having arguably produced the finest indoor tennis of his career in recent weeks.

"All I can say is I'm feeling really comfortable. I'm improving on this surface and on the courts. I'm going to go to Turin, going to try to do the same things that I have been doing, always going forward, trying to still improve, still evolve my game.

"Let's see. If I'm the favourite or not, or I feel the favourite or not, to be honest, it is not in my hands. I don't really want to take that in my hands and I don't want to think about it. I'm just going there to try to enjoy and try to play good tennis."

One thing is certain: if he maintains this level, he will have plenty more occasions to share the celebrations.