Shelton saves match point to reach the quarter-finals

Top seed Ben Shelton narrowly avoided an early exit at the BOSS OPEN, battling past fellow American Marcos Giron 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(5) to book his place in the quarter-finals.

Shelton made a strong start when play resumed on Friday morning. The match had been suspended on Thursday evening due to darkness with Giron leading 7-6, 4-4. The world No. 5 immediately broke his compatriot’s serve for a 5-4 lead in the second set and then comfortably served it out to level the match.

The deciding set saw momentum swing back and forth. Giron, ranked No. 88 in the world, broke early and raced to a 3-0 advantage. Shelton responded in style, recovering the break and working his way back into the contest. At 5-4, however, the top seed faced a match point on his own serve. Shelton held firm under pressure, saved it, and forced a tie-break.

After 2 hours and 38 minutes, Shelton converted his first match point in the deciding tie-break to seal victory and secure a place in the quarter-finals, where he will return to Centre Court later on Friday to face Japanese qualifier Sho Shimabukuro.

“It wasn’t easy today,” Shelton said afterwards. “Fortunately, I had the chance to come back out and play again. I’d like to thank the crowd for the fantastic support. The fans give me so much energy.”

Asked about having to play his quarter-final later the same day, Shelton appeared unfazed.

“I’m used to situations like that from when I was younger. You grow up with it. As long as it doesn’t get too dark and the weather cooperates, it’s going to be a great match.”