Carlos Alcaraz storms to ATP Paris Masters final to set up US Open rematch with Ben Shelton

The Spaniard, who fell in the second round in the same tournament last year, beat his Norwegian opponent 6-4 6-4 to earn a showdown with Ben Shelton on Sunday.

Ruud just about kept Alcaraz at bay in two of his first three service games, but the Spaniard then broke to move 4-3 up and closed out the first set with a 130mph ace.

The second stayed on serve until Alcaraz picked the opportune moment to break to go 5-4 ahead and sealed the win inside just 97 minutes.

This is the sixth final the 23-year-old has reached this calendar year, with him also extending his winning streak to eight consecutive matches.

"This tournament has always been really tough for me. I've struggled every time," Alcaraz said on court.

"I've come into this part of the season much fresher, hungry, ambitious, excited about coming to the tournaments and stepping on the court, playing matches and competing. I'm just really happy that I made the final."

Alcaraz entered the semi-final off the back of a dramatic victory over Taylor Fritz, saving two match points on Friday and apologising to the American at the end for, as Fritz put it at the net, being just "too good".

His drop volley winner against Ruud from the baseline encapsulated his form in the French capital.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will next face Fritz's compatriot, two months on from their memorable US Open meeting.

World No 4 Shelton beat Alcaraz in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows in a gruelling five-set thriller.

Shelton reached the final of the US Open but was ultimately defeated by Alexander Zverev.

In Paris, he secured another final showdown by beating Luca Van Assche 5-7 6-3 6-4 to face Alcaraz once again.

Watch the Paris Masters live on Sky Sports until Sunday, with the ATP Finals in Turin then running from November 15-22. Get the latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free .