Ben Shelton made it six sets played, six sets won 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 earned a breakthrough run in New York last year when he became the youngest American man to reach the semis at the hard-court major since Michael Chang in 1992.
After defeating former champion Dominic Thiem in the first round, Shelton laid down an impressive marker against Bautista Agut to underline his hopes of another deep run on home soil. The No. 13 player in the PIF ATP Rankings struck 59 winners, including 17 aces to triumph after two hours and 10 minutes. He saved both break points he faced and let out a roar after sealing victory in front of a lively crowd on Grandstand.
"I thought I moved extremely well," Shelton said. "I served well and hit my forehand well and didn't get broken today and was clutch at the big moments when I needed to be. I am happy with where my game is at."
Shelton will next play countryman Frances Tiafoe. The 13th seed overcame Tiafoe in the quarter-finals last year to reach his first major semi-final at the US Open.
"I am really looking forward to it," Shelton said when asked about playing Tiafoe. "We had a great battle in the quarters last year and I am sure it will be another popcorn match."
[ATP APP]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 play was stopped on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Tiafoe enjoyed a stunning run to the semi-finals at the US Open in 2022 and arrives at the hard-court major off the back of a final showing at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati.
Tiafoe received huge amounts of support inside Ashe and greeted NBA star Mikal Bridges after his win.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
#NextGenATP Chinese star Shang Juncheng reached the third round at a major for the second time when he overcame Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(2).
The 19-year-old, who beat Alexander Bublik in the first round, is playing at a career-high No. 72 in the PIF ATP Rankings this week, having reached his second tour-level semi-final of the season in Atlanta in July.
Aiming to reach the fourth round at a major for the first time, Shang will next play Casper Ruud or Gael Monfils in New York. Shang has boosted his hopes of qualifying for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF by advancing at the US Open. The lefty 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 PIF champion defeated Holger Rune in the first round and also reached the third round in Montreal and Cincinnati earlier this month.
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