Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Ben Shelton to Reach Roland Garros Quarterfinals

At the 2025 French Open, American tennis player Ben Shelton demonstrated significant improvement on clay, advancing to the fourth round for the first time and facing World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. Despite Alcaraz's dominance, having defeated Shelton in all their prior encounters, Shelton expressed confidence in his evolving game, particularly his movement and aggression on clay, signaling his readiness to challenge top players more consistently. Their fourth-round match featured high-level play with sharp shots and intense rallies, culminating in a four-set victory for Alcaraz, who praised Shelton's competitiveness and sportsmanship. A notable moment of sportsmanship occurred when Shelton offered to replay a contested point after an automated call, underscoring mutual respect between the two. Shelton sees this match as a milestone in his career, optimistic about his potential to cause significant upsets on clay courts moving forward. Both players are recognized not only for their skill but also for their engaging playing styles that captivate tennis audiences.