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In a gripping encounter at the Nexo Dallas Open, Ben Shelton emerged victorious over Adrian Mannarino, confirming his place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought three-set victory. The defending champion, Shelton, won the match with scores of 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3 after nearly two hours and forty minutes of high-octane tennis, showcasing his skills and determination.
Ben Shelton’s Resilience on Display
Ranked ninth in the PIF ATP Rankings, Shelton faced a formidable challenge against the experienced French player. The match was marked by dramatic momentum shifts and extravagant shot-making, proving why both players are highly regarded in the tennis community. Notably, a 29-shot rally on the very first point of the tiebreak set the tone for an exciting contest.
During his post-match interview, Shelton referred to the match as “ridiculous tennis,” acknowledging Mannarino’s exceptional level of play. “We’ve had some crazy matches; he does a lot of things that make it very, very difficult,” Shelton remarked, highlighting the unique challenges posed by playing Mannarino, especially on a low-bouncing indoor court.
Key Moments from the Match
The encounter was not without its tense moments. Mannarino, a finalist the previous week in Montpellier, fought valiantly, converting numerous set points to force a decider. At one point, he even unleashed a dazzling no-look, between-the-legs shot, adding to the already electrifying atmosphere. Ultimately, however, Shelton’s ability to elevate his game in crucial moments paved the way for his advancement.
Next Round: A New Challenge Awaits
With this victory, Shelton improved his head-to-head record against Mannarino to 2-3. Looking ahead, he will face Serbian player Miomir Kecmanovic, who recently upset fifth seed Tommy Paul. This will be the first encounter between Shelton and Kecmanovic, adding an extra layer of intrigue as both players vie for a semi-final spot.
Other Matches of the Day
In other notable matches on Thursday, Denis Shapovalov, the defending champion and seventh seed, secured a smooth victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic, winning 6-4, 6-4. Shapovalov’s performance was efficient, not facing a single break point, and he is set to face third seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina next.
Additionally, veteran player Marin Cilic celebrated his 600th career tour-level win by defeating Ethan Quinn with a scoreline of 7-6(4), 6-3, marking his entry into the 123rd tour-level quarter-final of his career, the second most among active players. Cilic will meet British qualifier Jack Pinnington Jones, who also triumphed in a marathon match that ended with a tie-break in the final set.
Reflection on the Day’s Highlights
The day’s tennis action at the Nexo Dallas Open not only showcased emerging talents like Shelton and Pinnington Jones but also highlighted the ongoing prowess of seasoned players like Shapovalov and Cilic. The exciting atmosphere and high stakes promise more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.
Looking Ahead
As the Nexo Dallas Open moves into its later stages, the anticipation builds for the upcoming matches. Fans of Ben Shelton and his competitors can look forward to more dramatic showdowns that define the essence of professional tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ben Shelton’s current ATP ranking?
Ben Shelton is currently ranked No. 9 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Who will Ben Shelton face next in the Dallas Open?
Ben Shelton will face Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals.
What was the score of the match between Shelton and Mannarino?
The final scores were 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3 in favor of Shelton.
How many career wins has Marin Cilic achieved?
Marin Cilic has achieved 600 career tour-level wins as of his latest match.
What makes the Dallas Open significant for tennis players?
The Dallas Open is an important ATP tournament that offers players a chance to gain valuable ranking points and showcase their talents on an international stage.
