MATCH REPORT | 2024 ASB Classic: Ben SHELTON executes masterful plays to emerge victorious over Roberto CARBALLES BAENA’s tenacity

ATP
Thursday, 11 January 2024 at 04:46
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Ben Shelton emerged victorious in the battle against Robert Carballes Baena with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3, successfully securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 ASB Classic. The 30-year-old Spaniard posed a tough challenge to Shelton from the baseline, but ultimately, the young star claimed the victory, setting up a semifinal clash with Taro Daniel.

Shelton entered the tournament as the top seed and received a bye in the first round. The North American faced the always-dangerous Fabian Marozsan (No. 65) in the second round but had little trouble securing a 6-3, 6-4 win to advance to the quarterfinals and meet Carballes Baena (No. 67).

The Spanish tennis player overcame his compatriot and former world No. 9, Roberto Bautista Agut (No. 51), in his first match with a score of 6-4, 6-3. In the second round, his victim was the 7th seed Sebastian Ofner (No. 37), whom he defeated 7-5, 6-3.

The first set initially tilted in favor of Ben Shelton, who saved a break point in his first service game and then seized his first opportunity to break, taking a 2-0 lead. The Spaniard swiftly responded, breaking back to level the score at 2-2.

The players kept the duel even, and Shelton had to fend off several break points. With the score at 5-4 and Carballes Baena serving, the crucial break came for the American, securing the first set 6-4.

Carballes Baena prevented Shelton from winning too many quick points, forcing him to engage in baseline rallies. Nevertheless, the world No. 16 was more aggressive in the first set, tallying 16 winners with 7 unforced errors compared to Carballes' 6 winners and 3 unforced errors.

In the second set, both players started strong with their serves, but opportunities for breaks arose for both sides in the middle of the set. Once again, Shelton overcame the difficulties, capitalizing on a crucial moment in the eighth game to secure the only break of the set, ultimately winning the match 6-4, 6-3.

In the semifinals, he will face the 30-year-old Taro Daniel (No. 74), who guaranteed his career-best ranking after defeating Alexandre Muller from the qualifying rounds, securing a place within the top 65 for the first time in his career.

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