Shelton fights past Paul to reach Paris Masters semis

PARIS: World number four Ben Shelton edged out Tommy Paul in an attritional three-set tussle on Friday to book his spot in the semifinals of the Paris Masters.

A single break of serve in each set was enough to separate the two compatriots as Shelton emerged from the quarter-final battle a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 winner.

The 24-year-old becomes the first American to reach the last four of the 1000-level event in the French capital since John Isner and eventual champion Jack Sock in 2017.

For world number 14 Paul, the defeat brought not only an end to his hunt for a first Masters title of his career, but also to his hopes of reaching this season’s ATP Finals.