Ben Shelton booked a semi-final at the Paris Masters after beating fellow American Tommy Paul in three sets on Friday.
The fourth-ranked player in the world proved to be too much for his American compatriot in an entertaining quarter-final that required only one break of serve in all three sets.
Shelton reached his first ATP semifinal in Paris; he is the first American man to make the last four in Paris since John Isner and eventual champion Jack Sock did so in 2017.
Paul also saw his bid to claim his maiden Masters title and his ATP Finals berth evaporate.
His loss also secured Frances Tiafoe’s entry to the season-ending tournament that will be held in Turin from November 15 to 22.
Paul had a tough time at the end of the first set, when two double faults gave his opponent Shelton set points. Paul was able to take the second, though, with a forehand winner.
Nevertheless, Paul was able to respond by breaking Shelton in the very first game of the second set, then holding his own serve to take it to a decider.
Shelton held serve in the final set’s fourth game at a crucial juncture before hanging onto his lead to wrap up the victory.
Either Rinky Hijikata or Luca Van Assche. He’ll take on either Rinky Hijikata or Luca Van Assche in the semifinals for a spot in the final.
