Frances Tiafoe defeated Ben Shelton in an all-American rematch at the U.S. Open, showcasing his skills by solving Shelton’s big serve and playing brilliantly at the net. The match lasted over 4 hours, with Tiafoe winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the fifth consecutive year. The victory was especially significant for Tiafoe as it came against a friend and competitor he lost to in the quarterfinals last year.
Tiafoe, known for loving the spotlight, relished the opportunity to play at Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Despite the match being held in the afternoon and not at night, Tiafoe’s victory was a highlight of the day, much to the disappointment of Shelton and his supporters. The intense, back-and-forth battle saw Tiafoe remain composed and persistent, eventually securing the win with a final winning volley.
Tiafoe’s success in this match was attributed to his improved return game and his aggressive net play. His strategic approach led to a record number of break points against Shelton, which he successfully converted into crucial points. Tiafoe’s ability to capitalize on key moments and never giving up, despite trailing in sets, propelled him to victory.
With his win, Tiafoe advances to face 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin in the next round. Meanwhile, other American players, including Taylor Fritz and Brandon Nakashima, also advanced in the tournament, showcasing the depth of talent in American tennis. Tiafoe’s impressive performance highlights the potential for American players to make a significant impact in the men’s game.
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Photo credit wtop.com