The American Ben Shelton (ATP-47) has qualified for the semi-finals of a grand slam tournament for the first time in his young career. In a quarterfinal against his compatriot Frances Tiafoe (ATP-10), he won after 4 sets: 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2. He can now play tennis against Novak Djokovic.
Hardhitter Ben Shelton is the youngest tennis hope in the US. At 20, he is the youngest American to reach the last 4 in New York since Michael Chang in 1992.
The ambiance at Arthur Ashe Stadium was charged. The evening session there is already special, but even more because of an American clash. In addition, for the first time in 15 years, two African-American men faced each other.
In 2008, James Blake and Donald Young faced each other in the first round, but tonight the stakes were much bigger: a ticket for the semifinal against Novak Djokovic, 23-time Grand Slam champion and number 1 again on Monday.
Tiafoe, who made it to the semifinals in NY last year, had only lost 1 set this tournament, but Shelton quickly beat him into a second set loss.
After an even start, Shelton’s viciously hard blows made the difference. Tiafoe couldn’t find an answer to youngster’s explosive forehand, who won 5 games in a row.
11 double faults
Shelton’s visor got a little less adjusted and Tiafoe was able to equalize the set score. The 3rd set was a breeze with no less than 6 breaks – 3 for each – in the first 8 games.
The tiebreak was dramatic: Shelton dropped 2 set points, one of which with a double fault. With another double fault (he hit 11 in total) he gave Tiafoe a set point (7/6), but in the end he still won with 9/7.
The momentum was all over again for Shelton, who broke twice in set 4 and finished it off on his own serve.
Shelton has made enormous progress in the past 2 years: 2 years ago he was number 802 in the world, last year 165th and on Monday he will enter the top 20. He showed all his talent in Melbourne, where the youngster reached the quarter-finals.
Frances Tiafoe has to bow her head.
Some nice points from the lot:
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Spotted in the stands: Harry Potter actress Emma Watson
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2023-09-06 06:17:54
#Ben #Shelton #trumps #Tiafoe #American #gettogether #plays #Open #semifinal #Djokovic
