Carlos Alcaraz makes prediction about Ben Shelton’s future after knocking him out of Roland Garros

Clearly a player who favours fast, hard courts, his ability to adapt showcased a newfound maturity that could see him skyrocket up the rankings.

John McEnroe made a big prediction about Shelton’s future during the match, and now it seems Alcaraz has echoed that sentiment in his post-match press conference.

Carlos Alcaraz praises Ben Shelton’s French Open performance

Asked about Shelton’s competency on clay in particular, the Spaniard admitted that he always knew the key characteristics were in play to make him a threat on any surface.

It was merely about stringing them together and being a little more tactical with his shot selection.

It was clear how well-thought-out his game plan against Carlos Alcaraz was, given he won the third set and had set points to claim the first in the tiebreak too.

As such, the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted: ‘Well I think he has a really great game to play on clay, honestly. I think he understood how to play on clay, he played a really great level today. He showed today what he’s able to do on clay or every surface.

‘He grew up playing on hard court or another surface, but I think he’s been on tour for a few years already and he’s understanding how to play on clay as well. We are going to see a great level from Ben in the future on clay.’

Carlos Alcaraz faces another American in Roland Garros quarter-final

Although many have argued that Alcaraz was given the far kinder half of the draw, the strong American contingent present has added a unique challenge for him to overcome.

After all, few on the tour bring the energy and heat like those from the US, with Shelton and Frances Tiafoe two prime examples.

Carlos Alcaraz’s last five matches vs American opponents

Having already beaten the former, Alcaraz is just one more match away from a potential semi-final showdown with the latter. To get to that stage though, he would have to bypass Tommy Paul, who awaits him in the French Open quarter-final.

This could cause problems for the 22-year-old, who has struggled in the past against this opponent.

That being said, their most recent meeting actually came at these grounds, overcoming Paul in the quarterfinals of the Olympics last summer. In fact, Alcaraz has come out on top in all of their last three matches, with the American’s last win coming in 2023.

Of course, Alcaraz is the favourite to win, but there are few matches in the world where that is not the case.

If he is to set up that grandstand final with Jannik Sinner, he will seemingly have to crush so many American dreams to reach that stage.