Carlos Alcaraz will look to move one step closer to claiming a third US Open title when he takes on Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros.
No man has claimed back-to-back US Open titles since Roger Federer's legendary five-year reign came to an end in 2008, but the Spaniard is on course to do just that.
Alcaraz entered the tournament following an extended injury absence that saw him miss both the French Open and Wimbledon this summer and has immediately set about offering a timely reminder of his skills.
After a comfortable victory over Roman Safiullin in the opening round the defending champion reeled off wins over Jaime Faria and Wu Yibing at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up a clash with home favourite Tommy Paul in the round of 16.
Paul gave a good account of himself on Sunday but was unable to prevent Alcaraz winning 6-4 6-3 6-4.
Another American will now get his chance to produce a seismic upset, as eighth seed Ben Shelton awaits Alcaraz in the quarter finals.
Ahead of the showdown we've taken a look at their previous meetings and head-to-head record.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton head-to-head record
While Shelton enters the quarter-final riding a wave of momentum following a hugely impressive straight sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, history is not on his side when it comes to facing off against Alcaraz.
The pair have met three times during their careers, once in each of the last three years.
On all three occasions Alcaraz has emerged victorious, with his first win coming at the 2023 National Bank Open.
The top seed at that tournament, Alcaraz comfortably saw off the American in the second round before being upset by Shelton's compatriot Paul at the quarter-final stage.
The story was much the same the following year in the Laver Cup, but Shelton will take some confidence from their most recent meeting in Garros in 2025 as he took a set off the eventual winner for the first time.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton previous meetings
Date | Tournament | Round | Surface | Winner | Score |
10 Aug 2023 | National Bank Open | Round of 32 | Hard | Carlos Alcaraz | 6–3, 7–6(3) |
21 Sep 2024 | Laver Cup | Round robin | Indoor hard | Carlos Alcaraz | 6–4, 6–4 |
1 Jun 2025 | French Open | Round of 16 | Clay | Carlos Alcaraz | 7–6(8), 6–3, 4–6, 6–4 |
