As the 2025 French Open charges into its second week, American tennis star Ben Shelton is gearing up for a colossal fourth-round showdown against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, June 1, at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old, ranked world No. 13, has electrified Paris with his explosive game, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time at this clay-court Grand Slam. After a grueling five-set battle in the first round and a straight-sets triumph over Matteo Gigante, Shelton now faces a formidable foe in Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and clay-court maestro. Far from daunted, Shelton’s comments reveal a blend of excitement, respect, and fearless ambition as he prepares to take on one of tennis’s brightest stars.
Shelton’s journey to the fourth round has been a testament to his resilience and growing comfort on clay, a surface where he’s historically faced challenges. His first-round clash against Lorenzo Sonego was a late-night epic, with Shelton rallying from two sets to one down to win 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in over three and a half hours. “This was a tough one for sure,” he said after the match, praising the electric atmosphere on Court Philippe-Chatrier. “I thought the crowd was great. It was my first time being out here, and it will not be one that I forget.” A walkover from Hugo Gaston in the second round gave him crucial rest, and he capitalized with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Gigante, highlighted by a stunning point where he fell to the clay yet still won the exchange. Now, with momentum building, Shelton sees his clash with Alcaraz as a defining moment. “I’m excited just thinking about it,” he told TNT Sports. “Playing the defending champion, round of 16, I’m guessing center court. That’s a pretty cool opportunity, pretty cool experience that not a lot of people get or see in their lifetime.”
Alcaraz, also 22, has dominated their head-to-head, winning both prior meetings in straight sets—at the 2023 Canadian Open and the 2024 Laver Cup. Yet, this will be their first encounter on clay, where Alcaraz’s 17-1 record this season and 99-19 career tally underscore his dominance. Shelton, with an 8-4 clay record in 2025, acknowledges the challenge but remains undeterred. “I’m definitely going to enjoy it and go out there and see what I can do because I’m starting to gain some speed, gain a little bit of traction on the surface, and starting to see some of my best tennis,” he said. His confidence stems from a breakout season, including semifinals at the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open, and a runner-up finish in Munich. Reaching the fourth round at all four Grand Slams at just 22 places him among American greats like Pete Sampras and Jim Courier.
Shelton’s game, built on a booming serve and aggressive baseline play, has adapted to clay’s demands. Against Gigante, he won 79 percent of first-serve points and fired 35 winners, showcasing his ability to dictate rallies. His use of drop shots and net play, winning 20 of 33 net points, unsettled his opponent, a tactic he may employ against Alcaraz, known for his speed and topspin-heavy forehand. “I try to do every time I am on the court with a great clay court player, pick up a few things from them and try to learn,” Shelton noted, referencing Jannik Sinner’s clay mastery as inspiration. Facing Alcaraz, who battled through a four-set win over Damir Dzumhur in the third round, Shelton sees a chance to test himself against the best. “It would mean a lot for me to be in that and feel that,” he said, relishing the opportunity to compete and grow.
The matchup promises high-octane tennis, with Alcaraz’s defensive prowess clashing against Shelton’s first-strike aggression. Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, admitted to struggles against Dzumhur, saying, “I suffered quite a lot today.” Yet, his ability to break back in crucial moments secured his place in the fourth round. For Shelton, this match is a chance to make history, potentially joining Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul to give the U.S. three men in the Roland Garros fourth round for the first time since 1995. “I certainly believe in myself,” Shelton declared, his words carrying the weight of a player ready to seize his moment on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
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