Luca Van Assche vs Ben Shelton Preview & Prediction | 2026 Paris Masters | Semi-final

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The first semi-final at the Paris Masters sees Luca Van Assche take on third seed Ben Shelton.

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: 7 November 2026 at 1:30 pm

Venue: La Defense Arena, Paris, France

Surface: Indoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Luca Van Assche vs Ben Shelton ticket information

Luca Van Assche vs Ben Shelton prediction

Luca Van Assche is enjoying a fantastic week, arguably the best of his career, as a semi-final run at an ATP Masters 1000 event surely ranks above his sole ATP Tour singles title, which came at the ATP 250 event in Estoril earlier this year.

Van Assche had to dig deep in his quarter-final to overcome the valiant Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-7, 7-5. Just as it looked like Hijikata was producing yet another miraculous comeback, Van Assche held his nerve and composure to win out in the third set.

He now takes on Ben Shelton, who has been warming up nicely in Paris this week. After edging through a deciding-set tie-break against Arthur Rinderknech in the Round of 16, Shelton had to endure another three-setter against compatriot Tommy Paul, emerging victorious 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. He smashed an impressive 19 aces, and his serve was vital throughout.

The pair have not met before on the ATP Tour, so it will be an interesting clash of styles, with the cultured Van Assche coming up against the powerful and athletic Shelton.

We have been impressed with the way Van Assche has competed this week and the mindset he has shown to dig deep when needed. However, he is coming up against a real top-calibre player here, and with Shelton looking suitably motivated to go all the way this week and showing zero sign of complacency, we have to go with the American to win and make it through to the final.

Luca Van Assche vs Ben Shelton tip: Ben Shelton to win