Ben Shelton Triumphs Over Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 to Secure a Spot in the Quarters at the National Bank Open
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Ben Shelton has reached a remarkable career peak of #7. This twenty-two-year-old lefty, holder of two career titles, is eager to clinch his first title of the season. As he thrives on hard courts during the US summer series, Shelton is on a quest. After a strong showing in DC, where he fell to Davidovich Fokina in the semifinals, he is determined to make his mark in his first Masters 1000 final.
In the round of 16, Shelton faced a tough opponent, Flavio Cobolli, who recently achieved a career-high #17 ranking. The twenty-three-year-old Italian has had a stellar season, winning two titles on clay in Hamburg and Bucharest, and making it to the quarters of Wimbledon, where he challenged 72-1, Shelton emerged victorious in their latest encounter at the Mexican Open, winning both sets in tiebreaks.
Shelton won the toss and chose to serve. With an ace down the line and a powerful inside-out forehand, he held to 30. Meanwhile, Cobolli struggled, serving just 6/8 of his first serves, facing a break point but ultimately holding to level the score.
The American faltered on 4/6 first serves but steadied himself with a forehand volley winner, holding to 30 for 2-1. Cobolli, after stumbling with 4/6 first serves and a double fault, faced double break point, allowing Shelton to convert with a stunning forehand drop volley winner.
Shelton faced challenges in solidifying his break as Cobolli unleashed a series of impressive cross-court backhand passes, even earning a break point. With his second ace, Shelton managed to maintain his composure, enduring four deuces to hold for 4-1. Cobolli responded with his first ace and a down-the-line backhand to hold for 2-4, but Shelton dodged two deuce points with three more aces to lead 5-2.
In a critical moment while serving to stay in the set, Cobolli suffered from three unforced errors and faced deuce. However, with another ace, he held for 3-5. As Shelton served to close the set, he faltered with two unforced errors, faced double break point, and lost serve when Cobolli unleashed a brutal inside-out forehand.
Under pressure to level the set, Cobolli struggled, missing 5/6 first serves and facing triple set point, eventually conceding the set with a wide forehand.
Shelton began the second set and faced a double break point but held firm with three powerful serves, including his sixth ace. Cobolli, hitting 3/6 first serves, returned fire to level the match.
The 220253 groundstroke errors, granting Cobolli the lead at 3-1 but quickly returned to form with his seventh ace to hold at love for 2-3.
Cobolli maintained his pace, hitting two additional aces to hold for 4-2, but Shelton, demonstrating resilience, held to love once more for 3-4. As Cobolli served to go up in the set, he faltered, donating his second double fault and losing serve, allowing Shelton to surge ahead 6-5.
When Cobolli served to force a tiebreak, Shelton opened with a staggering inside-out forehand, clinching the breaker and the match with ease.
This thrilling encounter showcased the dynamic styles of both athletes as they exchanged momentum throughout the match. Despite the numerous errors, both players left everything on the court, with only three points separating them by the end of this nail-biter.
Though Shelton’s first serve percentage was a respectable 62%, he won 71% of his first serve points and 49% of his second serve points. He displayed tenacity, saving 7/10 break points and converting 3/9 of his own. Throughout the match, he dominated the baseline points, securing 53 out of 97 while successfully transitioning forward to win 13/19.
However, Shelton’s thirty errors, primarily off his forehand, signify an area for improvement as he prepares to face world #8 Alex de Minaur for the first time, with a coveted semifinal spot in Toronto on the line.
