American tennis fans has been left disappointed after it was
confirmed that the clash between local players
Frances Tiafoe and
Ben Shelton
will not going to be played under light at the
US Open 2024. The fourth and final
Grand Slam of the year is well and truly underway where players from all over
the world are participating to showcase their talent to secure the ultimate prize.
One of the most anticipated clashes on Friday will be between
two local players, Tiafoe and Shelton. The former managed to book his place
in the competition after being awarded a walkover against Kazakhstan’s Alexander
Shevchenko. On the other hand, Shelton secured his place in the round of 32
after beating Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in straight sets with a score of
6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
It was anticipated that the match will be played under light.
However, as per the latest report, the authorities have decided against it and
instead the night match will feature world number two and defending champion
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic taking on Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The 37-year-old,
who is already regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis
in the singles category, was awarded a walkover in the third-round contest against
fellow countryman Laslo Djere. On the other hand, Popyrin secured his place in
the next round after beating Spain’s Pedro Martinez in straight sets with a
score of 6-2, 6-4, 6-0.
Talking ahead of the contest, Tiafoe expressed excitement to
face a player of Shelton’s quality in the night time. He also praise the 21-year-old,
who according to him has all the shots to trouble any opponent.
“It has to be a night session, it has to be,” he said. “I
definitely want to play against him,” added Tiafoe. “Obviously he is very much
like me and how excited and energetic he is on the court and has such a big
game and big shots and serves big and gets the crowd going. And he is 20-21
years old. As a guy, he’s just young and funny and cracks jokes and is just
about as immature as I am. We always have fun joking around and cracking jokes
for sure.Obviously he has got one of the better serves on the tour, no
question. Especially lefty and he hit all spots and all change paces quite well
so that is going to be tough I’m super excited.”
