Ben survives the battle! @BenShelton is through to the second round in Tokyo after outlasting Taro Daniel 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2) #KinoshitaGroupJapanOpen
Ben Shelton edges into second round of Japan Open after grueling battle against Taro Daniel in Tokyo
ATPTuesday, 17 October 2023 at 11:58
Ben Shelton edged past Taro Daniel to make the second round of the Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Tokyo.
The World No. 19 took to the court in the Ariake Coliseum against the home player, marking their second meeting after Shelton emerged victorious from their five-set thriller in the first round of Wimbledon earlier this year.
Their clash at the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo started out well for Shelton, as he broke Daniel in his very first service game. However, the World No. 97 showed resilience by breaking his opponent back immediately to level the set at 1-1.
Winner unclear until final tiebreak
After this break, Shelton seemed unable to control his serve for the remainder of the first set while Daniel's consistency helped him to another break, putting him ahead. Although Shelton managed to reach break point while trailing 1-3, he was unable to convert it as unforced errors got in his way. Ultimately, Daniel built up three set points before acing Shelton to take the opener.
However, the US Open semi-finalist was far from being ready to just give up and he came back fighting in the second set. Both players showed strength and endurance as they held their serve until Shelton was leading 5-4.
At this point, it looked as though a tiebreak would be required, but the 21-year-old's improved quality of tennis paid off and he successfully converted a set point after a battle on deuce.
In the decider, it was still impossible to ascertain which of the duo would come out of the match victorious as it passed the two-hour mark. Although Shelton faced a challenge when Daniel got a break point, he saved it to hold and ultimately both players' consistency forced a tiebreak.
Although Daniel secured the first mini-break of the tie by winning the opening point on Shelton's serve, it wasn't long before the American was able to push ahead, winning both of the 30-year-old's service points. In the end, his powerful serve and cleaner game gave him the first of four set points to ensure his spot in the second round. He will face Australia's Jordan Thompson next.
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