Ben Shelton prevailed against Jannik Sinner after a close three-set battle that ended in a nail-biting tiebreak at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The nineteenth seed won the match 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5).
Shelton took on World No. 4 Sinner for the first time in the Round of 16 at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena after having progressed past Jaume Munar and Roman Safiullin in the previous rounds of the ATP 1000 tournament. Meanwhile, Sinner had ousted Marcos Giron and Sebastian Baez to set up the clash.
At the beginning of the match, the Italian player looked to be the one in control as he broke Shelton in his very first service game. However, the American's powerful hitting was already on display as one ball bounced off the court at such speed that it flew into the crowd.
Nevertheless, Sinner secured a double break and wrapped up the first set pretty easily.
It was in the second set that Shelton started really fighting back, with Sinner's first service game going to a deuce. Although the 22-year-old was able to hold serve, Shelton built up three break points shortly after and successfully converted the first one.
It wasn't long before the 21-year-old was serving for the set. It looked as though he may have gotten into some trouble after losing three set points, but Shelton managed to get the advantage and ace Sinner to hold and win the set, forcing a decider.
The decider was closely contested, with both players holding their serve despite challenges from their opponent. Ultimately, a tiebreak was required to decide the winner of the match.
Shelton got the first mini-break of the tie after Sinner hit it way out. The American then appeared to be running with the momentum as he amassed a 4-0 lead. However, Sinner was not done yet, and he managed to level the tiebreak at 4-4 before edging ahead to 5-4. Nevertheless, Shelton was able to hold his nerve and equalize at 5-5 before pushing ahead for match point, which he won after Sinner hit the ball into the net.
21yo Ben Shelton gets the best win of his career, beating #4 Jannik Sinner 2-6, 6-3 7-6(5) to reach the QFs in Shanghai. That's not only the first ATP M1000 QFs of Shelton's career, but also his first ever ATP QFs! Big moment for him. Faces Korda next.
