Carlos Alcaraz continues to captivate the tennis world, not only with his incredible skill set but with his infectious energy and charisma on the court. Known for his unmatched versatility, Alcaraz has been hailed as a “player capable of hitting every shot imaginable,” according to American rival Ben Shelton. Despite facing defeat in both their encounters, Shelton holds profound admiration for Alcaraz’s talent and presence, describing him as both a supreme athlete and an entertainer. Shelton’s glowing words come ahead of the Paris Masters, where Alcaraz is seeded second and aiming to further cement his legacy.
Alcaraz’s rapid ascent has been nothing short of historic. Since breaking onto the ATP Tour, he has managed to capture four Grand Slam singles titles and ascend to the world No. 1 ranking. The Spaniard’s achievements in 2024 alone underscore his dominance and versatility: he captured his first French Open title on the clay of Roland Garros and followed it up with a victory at Wimbledon, showcasing his prowess on both clay and grass courts. His continued success has drawn comparisons to the sport’s greats, with experts and fans alike marveling at his ability to adapt to different surfaces and environments with ease.
Alcaraz’s unblemished record against Shelton has further emphasized his standing as one of the tour’s toughest competitors. The two first met at the Canadian Open in 2023, where Alcaraz dispatched Shelton in straight sets, showing the gap between them. Their second encounter, at the Laver Cup just last month, saw a similar outcome. Yet, Shelton, who ranks No. 23, remains full of praise for Alcaraz, viewing him as more than just a rival but a source of inspiration. Speaking at the Swiss Indoors Open this week, Shelton shared his admiration for the Spanish star, calling him “a great athlete, capable of hitting every shot imaginable.”
Shelton is especially drawn to Alcaraz’s energy and positivity on the court, noting that the Spaniard’s ability to blend high-level athleticism with a joyful approach is part of what makes him such a fan favorite. “He entertains the crowd and always has a smile on his face. He is a personality on the court; that is what I love to watch, and he gives me that feeling of seeing an artist but also someone who plays at the highest level,” Shelton remarked. His words echo the sentiments of many fans who see Alcaraz as a refreshing presence in men’s tennis, where his expressive, energetic style contrasts with the typically intense demeanor of some of his contemporaries.
While Shelton admires Alcaraz’s shot-making ability and dynamic style, he also finds inspiration in another player known for his aesthetic elegance on the court—Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian, who has experienced a resurgence in recent months, is back in the ATP top 10, climbing to ninth place in the rankings. Dimitrov’s graceful style has drawn frequent comparisons to Roger Federer, and Shelton is one of many who hold the Bulgarian in high regard. “Grigor Dimitrov plays beautifully,” Shelton said. “I think a lot of things he does are similar to what Roger Federer used to do. Perfect technique, the slice, the serve. He is technically solid on every shot, and that is why I love watching him.” This appreciation for players with a “complete game” and aesthetic appeal reveals Shelton’s own aspirations to evolve as a versatile player.
For Shelton, 2024 has been a year of highs and lows. His ranking dropped slightly outside the top 20 earlier this week, but his recent performance at the Swiss Indoors suggests a quick resurgence. Shelton’s run to the semi-finals has been particularly impressive, including a notable victory over Swiss tennis legend Stan Wawrinka in the second round. Following this, Shelton shocked Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals, a victory that showcased his resilience and readiness to take on the world’s best players. His wins in Basel not only reflect his growth as a player but also offer a clear indicator that he’s capable of competing with, and beating, some of the most established names in the sport.
With his performance at the Swiss Indoors, Shelton has moved up three spots to No. 20 in the ATP Live Rankings, signaling a promising trajectory as he nears the end of the season. The American is now focused on building momentum as he heads into the final tournaments of the year. Like many of his peers, Shelton is keeping an eye on the Paris Masters in Bercy, where Alcaraz is scheduled to compete as the second seed. The event will be another chance for Alcaraz to showcase his skills on a big stage and potentially add another title to his already remarkable collection.
Alcaraz’s presence at the Paris Masters is sure to attract attention, as he remains one of the most exciting players to watch on the ATP Tour. His journey from a promising teenager to a multiple Grand Slam champion in such a short time has redefined the standards for young athletes in the sport. For Shelton, Alcaraz’s success serves as motivation to continue honing his game and aspiring toward similar heights. With both players embodying different aspects of what makes tennis such a thrilling sport, fans can look forward to more compelling matches between them in the future.
In the meantime, Shelton’s admiration for Alcaraz and Dimitrov exemplifies the respect that young players have for their peers and predecessors. As he works to solidify his own place among the ATP’s top players, Shelton’s evolving game and deep appreciation for artistry in tennis suggest a promising future. Whether on the court or off, his candid reflections on players like Alcaraz remind fans of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that make tennis such a uniquely inspiring sport.