Shelton's Dominant Performance
Eighth-seeded Ben Shelton overpowered former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to book a US Open quarter-final date with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Shelton, riding high after a strong August that included a title at the ATP Montreal Masters without dropping a set, dominated on serve. He blasted a dozen aces and never faced a break point in a match lasting just one hour and 52 minutes.[S1]
Shelton put 71 percent of his first serves in play and won 84 percent of those points. He powered through the opening set in 31 minutes, breaking Tsitsipas twice. He seized control of the second set with a break for 4-2, setting up his chance with a delicate drop shot. A forehand winner down the line put him up 5-2, and he closed out the set with an emphatic forehand winner.[S1]
Awaiting Alcaraz
Now Shelton awaits Alcaraz, the seven-time Grand Slam champion who opted to make the US Open his first tournament back from a four-month injury layoff. The Spaniard delivered his most convincing display of the tournament in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over American Tommy Paul. Shelton said it would take "special tennis" to beat him, adding that Alcaraz's level is "really, really impressive" and predicting "fireworks on Tuesday night."[S1]
Tsitsipas's Disappointment
It was a disappointing ending for Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist who hadn't made the second week of a major in more than two years. The Greek has been in resurgent form this season, playing pain free after battling back trouble last year. During the match, Tsitsipas called for the trainer and had a lengthy conversation with the physio before receiving medication.[S1]
