Ben Shelton’s resilience was on full display in Cincinnati as he overcame a match point deficit to reach the round of 16. The left-hander’s hard-fought 6-7 (6), 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry showcased his determination and ability to perform under pressure.
Shelton faced an uphill battle after losing a 6-3 lead in the second-set tiebreaker. However, he summoned his inner strength and delivered a powerful first serve to deny Etcheverry’s match point. The Argentine’s backhand error handed Shelton the set, setting the stage for a thrilling decider.
In the third set, Shelton’s persistence paid off as he converted his second break point with a potent inside-out forehand. He then closed out the match with a love hold, securing a hard-earned comeback victory.
“These are the types of wins that really propel you,” Shelton said. “The ones where you are tested, back against the wall and you come through in the big moments. That’s what’s really important to me about this one.”
Fellow left-hander Jack Draper also displayed his tenacity in a three-set battle against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite Tsitsipas serving for the match, Draper rallied to win the final three games and oust the ninth seed.
“It’s very difficult conditions here in Cincinnati,” Draper said. “I think what won me the match today was the way I competed. My determination to win, I think that showed in key moments.”
Draper’s victory marked his second win over Tsitsipas, adding to his 2022 second-round triumph in Montreal. He will now face the winner of the match between Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
In an evening session showdown, second seed Carlos Alcaraz was leading Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-6 (1-3) when rain suspended play for the night. The outcome of their match remains to be determined.
