Written by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | January 8, 2025
In a nail-biting showdown in Auckland, Ben Shelton put forth a valiant effort against the young sensation Jakub Mensik, but ultimately succumbed to the rising star from the Czech Republic.
Mensik clinched his sixth match point to edge out the top-seeded American with a score of 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-5, paving his way to the quarterfinals where only two seeds remain.
The young Czech dominated the serve game, outpacing Shelton 10 to 7 in aces and achieving a remarkable 80% success rate on his first serves compared to Shelton’s 62%.
After missing 11 break point opportunities, he finally converted on the 12th to secure his spot in his seventh career quarterfinal. Mensik now stands as the youngest player to reach the quarterfinals in Auckland since none other than Rafael Nadal back in 2004.
What a match! 💪 @mensik_jakub_ overcomes top seed Shelton in a thrilling 7-6, 4-6, 7-5 finish! #ASBClassic25 pic.twitter.com/EZ861fALBT
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 8, 2025
In other happenings at the ASB Classic, veteran Gael Monfils made headlines by outplaying Jan-Lennard Struff, marking the oldest quarterfinalist debut in Auckland since 1970 with a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6(5). Meanwhile, 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy triumphed over defending champion Alejandro Tabilo, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, setting up an exciting all-American clash with Alex Michelsen, who upset Lorenzo Sonego.
