Arthur Cazaux defeated Ben Shelton in straight sets at the Rolex Paris Masters.
What a week it has been for Arthur Cazaux (and it is only Wednesday). The World No. 85 lost his qualifying match for the Rolex Paris Masters but slipped into the main draw as a lucky loser after World No. 1 Jannik Sinner dropped out.
No one expected Cazaux to last long in the final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the year – especially given his second round matchup against World No. 19 Ben Shelton.
In a stunning upset, Cazaux defeated Shelton in straight sets: 6-3, 7-6 (4). Not only were the fans cheering for Cazaux because he was the underdog, but the 22-year-old was the hometown kid who played with wide-eyed excitement.
Arthur Cazaux’s journey at the 2023 Rolex Paris Masters is already one of the year’s most memorable stories in tennis. In a sport where rankings and stats often predict outcomes, the 22-year-old Frenchman has defied expectations in stunning fashion. What began as a week of uncertainty quickly evolved into a fairytale run as he went from being a qualifier who didn’t make the cut to a hometown hero captivating the Paris crowd.
From Disappointment to Opportunity
Cazaux, who entered the tournament as the World No. 85, faced disappointment after losing his qualifying match for the Rolex Paris Masters, effectively ending his initial hopes of playing in the main draw. However, fortune smiled upon him when Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1, announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to physical exhaustion after his impressive ATP 500 victory in Vienna. This unexpected exit from Sinner allowed Cazaux to step into the main draw as a “lucky loser,” giving him another chance to make his mark on the tournament.
For Cazaux, this wasn’t just an opportunity to play in a prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event. It was a chance to compete in front of a home crowd, something that he had dreamed of since his early days on the junior circuit. “The Rolex Paris Masters is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, and to have the chance to play here, especially after thinking I was out, is incredible,” he shared in a post-match interview. His excitement resonated with the fans, and he quickly became a beloved underdog.
The Second-Round Showdown: Cazaux vs. Shelton
Cazaux’s first-round match went smoothly, and he showed the promise of a young player eager to make his mark. But as he entered the second round, the challenge ramped up significantly with a daunting matchup against World No. 19, Ben Shelton. The 21-year-old American sensation, known for his powerful serves and baseline play, had been making waves on the ATP Tour throughout the year. Fresh off a successful debut season, Shelton was a strong contender and widely expected to sweep past the “lucky loser.”
However, Cazaux had no intention of simply being another stepping stone for the American. With an electric atmosphere around him and the support of the Parisian crowd, Cazaux played with an energy and determination that transcended his ranking. From the very first point, he matched Shelton shot for shot, fearlessly attacking his opponent’s weaknesses.
The match opened with Cazaux taking control early in the first set. Using clever shot placement and surprising Shelton with deep returns, Cazaux secured an early break, which he carried all the way to win the set 6-3. The home crowd could sense an upset brewing, and with each passing point, the atmosphere in the arena intensified. The cheers grew louder, and chants of “Arthur! Arthur!” echoed throughout the stadium.
A Tiebreaker Seals the Deal
The second set was a tightly contested battle, with Shelton determined to make a comeback. Both players held serve through a series of powerful rallies and impressive groundstrokes, leading to a tiebreaker. The pressure was immense, but Cazaux held his nerve. He played with maturity beyond his years, finding his spots and taking calculated risks when necessary. At 7-4 in the tiebreak, he secured his victory, sealing the match in straight sets: 6-3, 7-6(4).
The crowd erupted in applause as Cazaux raised his arms in celebration. He had not only taken down a top 20 player but had done so with poise and determination that won the hearts of those watching. It was an emotional moment for Cazaux, who knew that this victory was one of the biggest of his career.
Riding the Momentum
This upset over Shelton has made Arthur Cazaux one of the most talked-about players in the tournament. For a young player who had almost missed the event altogether, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In his post-match interview, Cazaux shared his thoughts on his unexpected success: “It’s unbelievable. A week ago, I was just trying to make it into the main draw, and now I’m here. I’m grateful for this chance, and I just want to keep this momentum going.”
Now, with the French fans firmly behind him, Cazaux is riding a wave of confidence and energy. His victory is more than just an upset; it’s a story of resilience and seizing opportunity. Fans have begun comparing his run to previous fairytale stories in Paris, drawing parallels to other underdogs who took the city by storm.
With every match, Cazaux’s story is gaining attention across France and beyond. French tennis has long been looking for its next breakout star, and the home fans are hoping that Cazaux could be a fresh face to watch in the years to come. His humble personality, combined with his fearless style of play, has earned him a loyal following. Social media is buzzing with clips of his performance, and journalists are beginning to paint him as a symbol of perseverance in tennis.
Cazaux has received messages of encouragement from some of France’s tennis greats, and he’s becoming a national sensation almost overnight. “For young players like me, seeing support from fans, from former players, it’s a huge motivator,” Cazaux mentioned in an interview. “It shows me that what I’m doing matters, and I hope I can keep making them proud.”
While his victory over Shelton was monumental, Cazaux is aware that the road ahead is only going to get tougher. He is likely to face higher-ranked opponents with more experience and greater physical endurance. Yet, his journey so far has shown that he’s capable of handling the pressure and turning challenges into opportunities.
Cazaux is expected to meet more seasoned players, which could pose new tests for the young Frenchman. Nevertheless, with the backing of a passionate crowd and the newfound momentum, he has already shown that he is capable of defying expectations. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Cazaux to see how far this “lucky loser” can go.
Arthur Cazaux’s run at the Rolex Paris Masters is a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of sports. His story resonates because it encapsulates the spirit of perseverance, opportunity, and passion. Whether or not he ultimately lifts the trophy, he has already achieved a milestone that will remain in the memories of the Parisian crowd for years to come.
In a sport that often revolves around established stars and high-ranked players, Arthur Cazaux has given tennis fans a reason to believe in the magic of the unexpected. His story is still unfolding, and each match adds a new layer to a narrative that could very well be one of the highlights of the ATP season.