MATCH REPORT | 2024 Brisbane International: Ben SHELTON Falls Short against inspired Roman SAFIULLIN in thrilling match

Roman Safiullin defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 in the opening round of the ATP 250 Brisbane International and will face Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the tournament. The World No. 17 embarked on his second Australian venture and made his debut in Brisbane with a warm welcome from the crowd.

Facing him was the Russian Safiulin (No. 39), who had the best season of his career in 2023 with victories over players like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Andy Murray. He also reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and his first ATP final at the Chengdu Open (lost to Alexander Zverev 7-6, 6-7, 3-6). Shelton won their only previous encounter just three months ago in the second round of the Shanghai Open Masters 1000 with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

In the first set, both started smoothly with their service games, maintaining equality. In the fifth game, Safiullin faced 0-40 with three break opportunities for Shelton, but he won five consecutive points to hold his service. In the eighth game, it was Shelton who gave four break opportunities that the Russian eventually capitalized on to take a 5-3 lead and then confirm it with his service, leading 6-3.

Both tried to play short points in their service games and consistently approached the net. Shelton hit 8 winners with 6 unforced errors, while Safiulin had 10 winners and 7 unforced errors. Safiulin's strength on serve allowed him to win 76% of the points, compared to Shelton's 61% when serving.

At the start of the second set, Shelton faced issues with his service but ultimately saved the break point against him. Both players showed more strength on serve, with Safiulin winning his first 14 points with the serve consecutively until 4-4, while Shelton only conceded three points in the next four games.

The match extended to a tie-break, where Roman Safiullin took an early lead with a mini-break. However, Shelton won 4 of the next 5 points, securing a 4-2 advantage and, supported by his effective service, ultimately claimed the set 7-6(5).

An exciting third set saw both players evenly matched, but Safiullin excelled in returns. In the eighth game, doubts arose for Shelton, and the Russian seized the opportunity to break. He then held his serve to conclude the match with a hard-fought victory of 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3.

In the second round, Safiullin will face local player Alexei Popyrin (No. 40), who secured a notable victory against compatriot Christopher O’Connell (No. 68) with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 7-6.