Experience proved key as Tommy Paul took on Ben Shelton at the Australian Open beating him in four sets 7-6(8) 6-3 5-7 6-4 for his maiden grand slam semi-final.
It was a match that nobody expected to see at the Australian Open but it certainly lived up to some of the hype. Both players played a pretty solid match but Paul had experience on his side and it proved quite decisive. Shelton's first event outside of the US was a huge success, far better than anybody had hoped and he'll be a dangerous player moving forward.
Today, he was just a bit too confident at times. He risked more than Paul which was expected as that's how he plays but he wasn't able to minimize the number of errors. Over 40 winners in the match but also over 50 unforced errors. When you compared that to Paul who also had over 40 winners but also less than 30 unforced errors.
A much more balanced approach by the older American who will be contesting his maiden grand slam semi-final here in Australia. A superb run, one that he proved in the past that he has if things fall into place and they certainly have here.
25yo Tommy Paul plays another great match and beats 20yo Ben Shelton 7-6(6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to reach the semifinals at the #AusOpen. -- First career Slam SF -- First US man into the top 4 in Melbourne in 13 years (Roddick-Fish play a QF in 2010). -- Gonna be top 20 on Monday
