Washington
‘Clutch’ submission sends Shelton to QFs in Washington
Other Americans Korda, Michelsen ahead
August 01, 2024
Caean Couto
Ben Shelton ends Thursday’s match with two consecutive aces to reach the quarterfinals in Washington.
By ATP staff
Ben Shelton held on to two strong breaks on Thursday to seal his place in the quarter-finals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open. American No. 2 eliminated Brandon Nakashima 7-6(5), 7-6(4).
The 21-year-old embraced the basics and produced some impressive tennis, for the first time in humid conditions. Despite giving up three set points at 5-4 in the first set, Shelton, who won Wednesday night against Radu Albot, rallied to win the opening game in a break. The lefty won 81 percent of his first points and hit 14 aces, according to Infosys ATP Stats.
“I worked amazingly today, that was one of the keys for me,” said Shelton, who hit aces from 5/4 in the second break to win. “When you don’t have 100 percent in the tank, it’s really hard to break up with a guy like him so I knew I had to work.
“I did a good job of participating, I broke down once. But my best tennis came during the break. I thought it was just the clutch working. I’m in good control of my energy and I’m happy to pass. A very strong opponent.”
Shelton will next face wild card Denis Shapovalov in last month’s Wimbledon third round five-setter, which the American won. This Canadian player on Thursday defeated Miomir Kecmanovic from Serbia 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Shelton’s Sebastian Korda and Alex Michelsen also advanced. Fourth seed Korda reached the last eight after Thanasi Kokkinakis retired with the American leading 6-7(1), 7-5, 3-2. Kokkinakis had two match points at 5-4 in the second set. #NextGenATP Michelsen defeated South Korea’s Seongchan Hong 6-3, 6-3.
Michelsen next meets Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, who earned a memorable victory, saving five points against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 1-6, 7-6(0), 7-6(7) in a three-hour, 14-minute affair. Cobolli, 22, trailed 2/6 at the break and fought back to match point at 6/7. The 10th seed is the No. 47 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, one place ahead of his career high.
Atlanta finalist Jordan Thompson, who finished seventh, defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-5, 6-4.
Source link
