Shelton Promises Fireworks in Paris Showdown With Paul

Ben Shelton is looking forward to his quarterfinal contest with Tommy Paul in Paris after surviving a massive test against Arthur Rinderknech.

In a tough battle, Shelton showed why he will be competing at the Nitto ATP Finals in a couple of weeks time as he edged past Arthur Rinderknech.

A tense match ended with Shelton defeating Rinderknech 3-6 6-4 7-6(5) to book his place in the quarterfinals.

That victory set up a meeting with Tommy Paul.

It will be an all-American quarterfinal in Paris.

Paul defeated another home hope, Quentin Halys, in straight sets to reach this stage.

The contest carries extra meaning because Paul is looking to strengthen his ATP Finals charge.

He must win tomorrow to keep his Turin dream alive.

Shelton, meanwhile, has already secured his spot at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.

The third-seeded Shelton won five of the final six points from 2/4 down to clinch the deciding-set tie-break against Rinderknech.

It was the 43rd tour-level victory of the season for the American lefty.

That sets a new personal-best win tally for a single season, surpassing his 42 wins in 2024.

Paul, who is 29 years old, now trails ninth-placed Rafael Jodar by just 309 points in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

Both Paul and 11th-placed Taylor Fritz, who is also still competing in Paris, have the chance to catch Jodar and eighth-placed Frances Tiafoe.

Jodar and Tiafoe have both exited the Paris draw.

Shelton and Paul are good friends off the court.

They have not faced each other in a tour-level match since 2024.

The Lexus ATP Head2Head between them is currently tied at 2-2.

Ahead of the contest, Shelton spoke to the ATP website about what he expects.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been on the court, but I’m looking forward to it,” Shelton said.

“He’s in great form right now. A great player, a great friend. I’ve been rooting for him all year to make a push and make it to Turin. It will be fireworks tomorrow.”

Both players will be chasing their first Paris semifinal appearance.

The match is scheduled as the first quarterfinal at 2 p.m. local time on Friday.

The venue is the Plenitude Arena in Paris.

Shelton, who is 24 years old, has already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, which will take place in a couple of weeks.

Paul is currently 13th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

Only the top eight players qualify for the season-ending championship.