Brilliant Ben Shelton into second tour level semi-final with Japan Open win over compatriot Tommy Paul

Ben Shelton has had a habit of not producing back-to-back barring in the Grand Slams this year, but all has now changed for the American with success at the Japan Open.

He is once again in the latter stages of a tournament in Asia with a semi-final spot being set on Friday morning. He saw off compatriot Tommy Paul 7-6, 6-3.

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It is a second career semi-final for Shelton who now moves up to number 17 in the current live rankings. It is also a first semi-final outside of his run at the US Open so he continues to produce away from the big stage.

It is also the 12th win out of the last 14 for Shelton who continues to be on a roll. Despite hitting 24 unforced errors during the tie, he hit 28 winners in all and dominated on his serve with 52/73 points won on his racquet.

The first set saw Shelton swipe it in the tie-break after both players had sealed potentially pivotal breaks at the back end of the game. A factor which did end up proving decisive in the second set with Paul dropping his at 5-3 down which proved to be the nail in the coffin as Shelton sealed the win with a love hold in the last service game. Next is either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Marcos Giron.

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2nd tour level SF incoming 😏 @BenShelton sails past Paul 7-6 6-3 in Tokyo! #KinoshitaGroupJapanOpen

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