Alcaraz Overthrow Shelton And Return To French Quarter-Finals Open

Carlos Alcaraz again showed his class as defending champion in France Open (photo: x @carlosalcaraz)

JAKARTA Carlos Alcaraz again showed his class as defending champion in the French Open after eliminating American Ben Shelton in a fierce four-set match with a score of 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the fourth round, Sunday 1 June. This victory also became Alcaraz's 100th victory at the level of the tour on clay surface, strengthening his reputation as one of the new generation of clay kings.

In the midst of Shelton's high pressure and hard service, Alcaraz was involved in a fairly tough mental fight on Philippe Chatrier's pitch. "Today I fought against myself, in my mind," Alcaraz said after the game. I tried to calm down because I was angry and said bad words. But I'm glad I didn't let that thought take control of me.

The first set went tight and full of drama. Alcaraz lost his only break chance in the early 12 games, then trailed 1-4 on the tiebreak before rising to save three sets of points and snatched the set with a net error from Shelton.

Entering the second set, he had come in the first game 12 minutes long, but Alcaraz managed to save six break points and was finally able to lock the set with a number of hard handles that forced Shelton to make a mistake.

Shelton didn't just give up. He came back in the third set with a 3-1 advantage, and despite losing momentum, he managed to win the set to extend his breath in the tournament.

But Alcaraz, who is now 22 years old, shows why he is the second seed of this tournament. He took over the game in the fourth set, broke Shelton's serve, and closed the game through hard foreplay at the second match point. .

"We respect each other," Alcaraz said of Shelton. "Every time we meet, we always show a high level of play. He's a very strong player, can hit from any corner... He's amazing."

With this victory, Alcaraz advanced to the quarter-finals of Roland Garros for the fourth time in a row and will face another American player, Tommy Paul, for one place in the semifinals.