Ben Shelton declares fearlessness ahead of face-off with world number one Jannik Sinner

America’s young tennis star Ben Shelton has stated that he is not scared to face world number one Jannik Sinner. The third Grand Slam of the year is approaching its business end, and the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

One of the most highly anticipated contests in the fourth round will be between Italy’s Sinner and America’s Shelton. The 22-year-old, who recently became the world number one in the men’s singles category after replacing Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic, booked his spot in the round of 16 after beating Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.

On the other hand, Shelton registered his spot in the last 16 after beating Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in a five-set thriller with a score of 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6. The 21-year-old, often regarded as the most high-profile American player currently playing in the men’s singles category, was later quoted where he spoke about facing Sinner in the next round.

The Atlanta-born star stated that he understands the challenge but he is not ‘afraid’ to face the current world number one. "The results he is achieving are impressive, I am aware that it is a complicated challenge and a great test, but I also see it as a good opportunity,” he said. “I’m going out to compete to the maximum, I trust myself and I’m not afraid of anyone.”

It will be the fourth meeting between the two players. In the previous three meetings, Sinner had a slight advantage, as he won on two occasions and suffered a solitary defeat. Interestingly, this will be the first time the two will play against each other on the grass court. Their most recent meeting was at Indian Wells earlier this year, where Sinner came out on top in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-1.