Matching Report
Shelton and Tiafoe hit R3 at the US Open
Shang, Nakashima continues to run
August 28, 2024
Getty Images
Ben Shelton in action in New York.
By ATP staff
Ben Shelton played a six-set, six-set win at this year’s US Open on Wednesday when he dispatched Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the third round.
The 21-year-old American made a remarkable breakthrough in New York last year when he became the youngest American to reach the semi-finals on the hard court since Michael Chang in 1992.
After defeating former champion Dominic Thiem in the first round, Shelton posted an impressive record against Bautista Agut to cement his hopes of making another run on home soil. The No. 13 player in the PIF ATP Rankings hit 59 winners, including 17 aces to win after two hours and 10 minutes. He saved both break points he faced and roared after victory in front of a full crowd at the Grandstand.
“I thought I went really well,” Shelton said. “I worked well and I hit my forehand well and I didn’t break today and I caught the big moments where I needed to be. I’m happy with where my game is.”
Shelton will next play against Frances Tiafoe. The 13-seed defeated Tiafoe in the quarter-finals last year to reach his first US Open semi-final.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Shelton said when asked about playing Tiafoe. “We had a great battle in the quarters last year and I’m sure it will be another popcorn game.”
Former semi-finalist Tiafoe advanced to the third round after Alexander Shevchenko was forced to retire. American Tiafoe led Shevchenko 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 when the match was stopped at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Tiafoe enjoyed a remarkable run to the semi-finals of the 2022 US Open and came to a tough field after a final showdown at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati.
Tiafoe received a lot of support from inside Ashe and saluted NBA star Mikal Bridges after his win.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images
#NextGenATP Chinese superstar Shang Juncheng reached the third round of a major for the second time when he defeated Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(2).
The 19-year-old, who defeated Alexander Bublik in the first round, is ranked No. 72 in the PIF ATP Rankings this week, having reached the semifinals of his second major of the season in Atlanta. July.
Aiming to reach the fourth round of the majors for the first time, Shang will next play Casper Ruud or Gael Monfils in New York. Shang boosted his hopes of qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF by advancing to the US Open. Left is currently third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah.
Brandon Nakashima continued his impressive form by dispatching Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. The 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by the PIF champion defeated Holger Rune in the first round and reached the third round in Montreal and Cincinnati earlier this month.
The 23-year-old will play alongside Lorenzo Musetti or Miyomir Kecmanovic.
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