French Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz overcomes ‘mad’ moments to defeat Ben Shelton - ‘I was angry with myself’
Published 01/06/2025 at 21:17 GMT+1
Carlos Alcaraz is through to the quarter-finals of the 2025 French Open after an incredible match with the USA's Ben Shelton on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The two players produced some excellent tennis, but the world No. 2 eventually battled to a 7-6(8) 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory. After the match, Alcaraz admitted that he had to overcome a battle in his own mind to secure the win.
'Dusted in brilliance' - Watch as Alcaraz wins incredible opening set against Shelton
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz admits he was frustrated with himself during his thrilling 7-6(8) 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory over Ben Shelton in the fourth round of the 2025 French Open.
The world No. 2 was pushed to the limit by his 22-year-old opponent and had to produce some of the best tennis Roland-Garros has seen all week to get over the line.
The victory means Alcaraz now progresses to the quarter-finals, in which he will face the USA's Tommy Paul on Tuesday.
Alcaraz insists that he was battling negative thoughts throughout the match despite a sensational display.
"Honestly, today I fought against myself in my mind," the Spaniard said. "I just tried to calm myself.
"In some moments, I was mad, I was angry with myself. I am just really, really happy that I did not let those thoughts work against me.
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"I just tried to calm myself in those moments when I was down, and I tried to keep going, you know. That is what I try [to do]."
Alcaraz will hope to retain his French Open title next week, having come out on top on the iconic clay courts in 2024.
The clash was the third time Alcaraz and Shelton had gone head-to-head on the ATP Tour since their first meeting in 2023, with the Spaniard winning both their previous encounters.
Alcaraz believes that the world No. 13 gets the best out of him as a player.
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Watch amazing sportsmanship from Alcaraz as he concedes point after freak winner
Video credit: TNT Sports
"First of all I think we both have huge respect for each other, every time we play each other we bring the level to the top," he added. "We saw really good tennis, we entertained the people as well.
"He is a really powerful player, he can make any shot. It is unbelievable, I think we played really great tennis.
"We stayed there during the whole match and for me, it is great having Ben around. I think it is great energy for the tennis and for the people.
"I love watching him play, it is great, so I appreciate the moment that we shared today."
Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
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