Ben Shelton survived another "Titanic battle" at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Tokyo after fighting back from a set down against Jordan Thompson to make the third round 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3.

The World No. 19 had endured a three-set battle with home player Taro Daniel in his opening match while Thompson had pulled off a shock straight-sets victory against Top 10 player and third seed Alexander Zverev.

However, the World No. 60 was not able to replicate this success in the second round, with Shelton's powerful serve helping him to clinch the victory after a tight three sets.

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Both Shelton and Thompson fight to the end

The American secured the first break of the match in his opponent's second service game, displaying an impressive variety of serves to get ahead. However, after holding for a while, a double fault from Shelton levelled the set at 4-4.

At 5-5, the players ended up locking horns on deuce in a game that lasted over thirteen minutes. While Shelton had four break points in this time, Thompson managed to save them all and eventually held his serve. Ultimately, a tiebreak was required, with the Australian pushing ahead at the last minute to win the opener.

However, Shelton came back fighting in the second set. Both players held until 5-4, when the 21-year-old pulled off a well-controlled point on deuce before sticking the landing in the next point to score a crucial break and force a decider.

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In the final set, Shelton reached another break point while leading 2-1 on serve and successfully converted it, leading Thompson to smash his racket on the ground in frustration.

Shelton was then able to consolidate the break and hold until he could serve for the set. After building up a 30-0 lead, Thompson brought it back to 30-30. However, Shelton then aced the 29-year-old for match point.

Although Thompson fought to a deuce, Shelton ultimately stayed ahead and booked his place in the third round of the Japan Open, where he will face fifth seed Tommy Paul.

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Next stop 🔜 Tokyo QFs @BenShelton comes back from a set down to defeat Thompson 6-7 6-4 6-3 #KinoshitaGroupJapanOpen

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