The Paris Masters is heating up as players eye the semifinals, and Ben Shelton is on fire. The American is having an incredible run, reaching his maiden quarterfinals at a Masters 1000 and hitting another big milestone. With his win over 12th seed Andrey Rublev, Shelton officially punched his ticket to the ATP Finals in Turin. It’s a huge moment for the 23-year-old, now three years into his pro career. But next up is the ultimate test, the top seed Jannik Sinner. Can Ben keep the same fearless mindset that’s carried him this far?

On Thursday, Shelton took down Rublev in just an hour and 35 minutes. He dominated the Russian in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, sealing a spot in his sixth Masters quarterfinal this season. Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, he opened up about his mentality before the match. “Yeah, along the lines of ‘Imma die on that court before I lose.’ I knew what it was going into the match, and it was a goal for me to make Turin since the beginning of the year. So, focusing and trying to stay locked in on just Paris and this week,” he said.

It’s a massive step for the American, especially after the shoulder injury that hit him at the US Open. Shelton had been fighting to regain the level he showed earlier this season. He made his return at the Shanghai Masters but fell in the first round. Then came Basel, where he reached the final last year but lost in the round of 16 to Jaume Munar. Now, he’s reviving that spark from the summer swing when he won the Canada Open (his first Masters title) before New York. He’s already cracked the Top 10 and remains firmly in the ATP Race, which stays his top priority.

But first things first, there’s business to finish in Paris. As Shelton said, “It’s in the back of my mind. I know what we’re playing for, and I went out and went after it. I’m really happy with my performance.” His next challenge is no easy one.

So far, Ben Shelton’s head-to-head with Jannik Sinner stands at 1-6. They’ve met seven times in three years and twice this season, both at Grand Slams. The Italian got the better of him in Melbourne’s semifinal and at Wimbledon’s quarterfinal. Shelton’s lone win came in their first clash at the 2023 Shanghai Masters. Can he turn the tables this time? That’s what everyone’s waiting to see.

While Shelton has had his say, Sinner shared his own thoughts on the upcoming showdown.

Ben Shelton’s opponent speaks of his form before their quarterfinals clash

After his Thursday match against Francisco Cerundolo, where Jannik Sinner looked a bit tired but still cruised in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, the Italian got real about his condition. “Of course I’m not fresh fresh,” he said. “But let’s see. I feel like today was a match that wasn’t as physical.. Which is good for me. Happy to finish it off in 2 sets. Under 1 and a half hours.” He’s ready to rest up, adding, “I’m gonna sleep very well tonight. I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

Sinner knows his next opponent, won’t make things easy. “It’s gonna be a really difficult opponent tomorrow. I have to play at 100%,” he warned. Feeling better in this match gave him confidence: “Happy how I handled the match [today]. I felt much better.” His focus is clear going into the next round: “This hopefully can give me the confidence to start off tomorrow in a good way hopefully. Every match is different. Let’s see what’s coming. I hope I can recover physically, that’s my main priority.”

The physical toll has been tough for Sinner lately. In Vienna, he battled visible fatigue after hardly any rest following his title win there. It’s not the first time, either! At the Shanghai Masters, he retired mid-match with painful leg cramps against Tallon Griekspoor. But Sinner’s fighting spirit is undeniable. After the Vienna Open final against Alexander Zverev, despite some cramps, he stayed strong. “I think you always feel a little more pressure in a final,” he said. “What happened in Shanghai definitely taught me something.”

Now, both Sinner and Ben are set to meet for the first time in the Paris Masters semifinals, each hoping to claim their spot in the last four. Both players are bouncing back from injuries and also eyeing the ATP Finals in Turin next. The question now: Who will seize this chance and possibly take home the Paris Masters trophy?