Ben Shelton needed every bit of a three-set grind to keep his Paris run alive.

The US Open runner-up beat Arthur Rinderknech 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) on Thursday for a season-best 43rd win and a spot in the Paris Masters quarterfinals.

Next up is an all-American meeting with No. 12 Tommy Paul. It will be their fifth career match and the first since 2024, with the series tied 2-2.

An American afternoon in Paris

"It's been a long time since we've been on the court, but I'm looking forward to it," Shelton said. "He's in great form right now. A great player, a great friend."

Paul reached the quarters earlier by beating Quentin Halys 7-6 (3), 6-4. Shelton, already locked into the Nov. 15-22 ATP Finals in Turin, said he has been rooting for Paul to join him there.

"I've been rooting for him all year to make a push and make it to Turin," Shelton said. "It will be fireworks tomorrow."

Fritz and Alcaraz also advance

Eleventh-seeded Taylor Fritz swept No. 6 Arthur Fils 6-3, 6-4 to keep an outside shot at Turin. Fritz hit 14 aces, faced no break points and won 92% of his second-serve points.

Carlos Alcaraz moved on when Matteo Berrettini withdrew from their third-round match with an arm injury. Alcaraz next faces Fritz.

Home fans also got a lift from Luca Van Assche, who beat Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to reach his first Masters quarterfinal. Qualifier Rinky Hijikata advanced 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 over Tomas Etcheverry and plays Van Assche next.