Ben Shelton retains discovering a approach to survive and advance at Wimbledon.
In his second-round match on Thursday, 14th-seeded Shelton eked out his second consecutive five-set victory, beating qualifier Lloyd Harris 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6 (10-7) in three hours and 49 minutes. He additionally introduced American followers to their ft.
“The environment was nearer to that of a soccer match than what you would possibly anticipate at SW19,” wrote ATP workers. “When Shelton attacked Harris’ backhand to drive an error at 6/5 within the final-set tie-break, incomes a important mini-break, followers burst out into chants of ‘USA, USA, USA.’ It’s only becoming it’s the Fourth of July.”
Grass courts aren’t Shelton’s forte, which can clarify why the 14th-ranked participant on the earth is not simply profitable matches on the All England Membership. In 2024, the 21-year-old has posted a 3-3 document on grass, in comparison with an 18-11 document on different surfaces, through Tennis.com.
Successful two shut grass-court matches might assist him construct some momentum, although, which he must make it to the fourth spherical of Wimbledon for the primary time.
On Friday, he’ll face Denis Shapovalov for the primary time. Shelton ought to have the sting on this matchup. This season, he has received extra matches (20-14) than the 25-year-old Canadian (10-15).
Shelton broke out in 2023, making the Australian Open quarterfinal and U.S. Open semifinal. Nevertheless, he hasn’t superior previous the third spherical of a grand slam this 12 months. A deep run at Wimbledon would show he is nonetheless a rising star and never backsliding.
