Arthur Cazaux, lucky loser, brought down Ben Shelton, 19th player in the world (6-3, 7-6). This is the 5th French qualification in the round of 16. Cazaux will find Holger Rune there, whom he dominated at the Australian Open.
The French festival continues at the Accor Arena. Arthur Cazaux, 85th player in the world and drafted after the withdrawal of world number 1 Jannik Sinner, seized his chance perfectly by defeating world number 19 Ben Shelton (19th) 6-3, 7- 6 (7/4). Already beaten by Mpetshi Perricard last week in the final in Basel, the American definitely suffers against the Blues. In the first set, the 8th finalist of the Australian Open was very strong, for example only conceding two points on his service games. The debates were balanced in the second set. The two good servers won all their service games. The 22-year-old Frenchman had a set point on his serve, before finally winning in the tie-break (7-6).
The Montpellier native joins Arthur Rinderknech, Arthur Fils, Ugo Humbert and Adrian Mannarino. Five players in the round of 16 of the Paris Masters 1000. A record equaled. Only once before had French tennis been so well represented, it was in 2009. Surprise guest Cazaux will try to continue the great adventure against Holger Rune, 13th in the world.
