MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Ben SHELTON prevails in clash against Roberto BAUTISTA AGUT to secure second-round berth
ATPMonday, 15 January 2024 at 05:26
Ben Shelton
(No. 16) had difficulties but overcame Roberto Bautista Agut (No. 51) by 6-2,
7-6(2), 7-5 in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open. The American returned
to Melbourne with the mission of defending last year's quarterfinals and, in
three hours, secured his spot in the second round.
Shelton
started the season a week earlier at the ATP 250 ASB Classic and fell in a
tough semifinal match against the surprising Japanese player Taro Daniel (No.
74) by 7-5, 7-6(9). Similarly, the world No. 51 Roberto Bautista Agut also
competed last week in Auckland but lost in the first round to his compatriot
Roberto Carballes Baena (No. 67) by 6-4, 6-3.
In the
first set, Bautista Agut quickly applied pressure on Shelton's serve and had
five break opportunities in his favor, but Shelton saved them all. In the next
service game of the 20-year-old, he again conceded three break chances to his
opponent, but managed to resolve it and maintain the 2-2 tie.
The Spanish
player looked better in the early games but declined as Shelton took the
initiative. Bautista Agut tried to outmaneuver his opponent from the baseline,
moving him from side to side to avoid being overwhelmed by Shelton's winners.
The youngster responded better in the return and gained confidence in his serve
to win the next four games consecutively and move ahead by 6-2.
In the
second set, both held their serves well until the sixth game, where the Spanish
player seized his first opportunity to lead 4-2. The advantage was temporary as
Shelton quickly recovered the break, and they maintained equality until 5-5. In
a tense game, Shelton secured the break and served to finish the set but ended
up losing it to love.
In the
tie-break, a passing shot from Shelton gave him the first mini-break to take a
3-0 lead. Without hesitation on the serve, he once again managed to break his
opponent's serve and won the tiebreak with a comfortable 7-6(2).
The third
set was the most closely contested of the match, and neither player faced
issues on their serves until the end of the set. With the score at 6-5 in favor
of Shelton, it was Bautista Agut's service turn, and everything seemed to
indicate that the set would be decided in a new tiebreak. However, the former
world No. 9 Spaniard struggled with unforced errors that ultimately gave the
victory to Shelton 6-2, 7-6(2), 7-5.
Bautista
Agut reached the fourth round in 2023 (losing to Tommy Paul), so he failed to
defend his points and will drop out of the top 70 at the end of the tournament
for the first time since 2014. Shelton will face local player Christopher
O’Connell (No. 71) in the second round, who overcame a tough battle with
Cristian Garin (No. 88) by 3-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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