For the first time in his career, Ben Shelton has powered his way into the quarter-finals of the US Open, hosted at the iconic Flushing Meadows in New York. The event, taking place from August 28 to September 10, features wall-to-wall coverage from various media, including live text and radio commentaries on the Sport News Center website and app, as well as BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra.
Shelton is on a mission, not just to win, but to ignite the flames of tennis passion in the hearts of youngsters. He earned his spot in the last eight by defeating fellow American and 14th seed Tommy Paul in a nail-biter on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The scores were 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
Shelton, just 20 years old, unleashed a 149mph serve, the fastest in this year’s tournament. Alongside that bullet-like serve, he dazzled with a wide variety of shots that left Paul scrambling.
“I felt a wave of support from the American audience. It’s been incredible all week,” Shelton expressed post-match.
His next opponent? None other than 10th seed Frances Tiafoe, setting the stage for a thrilling all-American quarter-final bout. Both young talents are vying to be the first American male to snatch the US Open singles crown since the heyday of Andy Roddick in 2003.
Shelton was within striking distance of toppling one of Roddick’s long-standing records. His 149mph serves were tantalizingly close to Roddick’s 152mph rocket, set during his victorious campaign two decades ago.
“I’m more than just a guy swinging a racket. I’m not merely here to entertain or win games,” Shelton emphasized. “I conduct myself with decency and aim to inspire a new wave of tennis enthusiasts, especially among the younger generation.”
Shelton’s electric play style and approachable demeanor have won him many fans. After a jittery opening that had him 3-0 down, his aggressive playstyle and palpable hunger for victory rallied the New York spectators.
Russell Fuller, a tennis correspondent for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, remarked, “The energy he brings is infectious. You’d have to be downright jaded not to feel some sort of emotion watching Shelton play. He’s out there grinning like it’s Christmas morning.”
Looking ahead, a Shelton-Tiafoe showdown is what dreams are made of, at least according to the U.S. Tennis Association.
Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe defeated Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 6-1, 6-4, ensuring that at least one American flag will wave in the semi-finals. The 25-year-old had an impressive run last year, toppling Rafael Nadal and reaching the semi-finals, where he lost a five-set thriller to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Don’t count out ninth seed Taylor Fritz, though. He is set to square off against Swiss sensation Dominic Stricker, who earlier knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas. That match will take place later today at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
It’s shaping up to be an American bonanza in the last eight, and if you’re a fan of drama, passion, and speed-of-sound serves, you won’t want to miss it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ben Shelton US Open 2023 Quarter-Finals
Who is Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton is a 20-year-old American tennis player who has made it to the quarter-finals of the US Open 2023 for the first time in his career.
Where is the US Open 2023 being held?
The tournament is taking place at Flushing Meadows in New York, from August 28 to September 10.
Who did Ben Shelton defeat to reach the quarter-finals?
Ben Shelton defeated fellow American and 14th seed Tommy Paul with scores of 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
What record did Ben Shelton nearly break?
Shelton served at 149mph, very close to breaking Andy Roddick’s 2003 tournament record of a 152mph serve.
Who will Ben Shelton face in the quarter-finals?
Shelton is set to face 10th seed Frances Tiafoe in an all-American quarter-final showdown.
Why is Ben Shelton particularly inspirational according to the article?
Ben Shelton hopes to inspire a new generation of tennis enthusiasts with not just his playing skills but also his attitude and spirit. He has expressed his desire to make a positive impact on young fans.
What’s noteworthy about Frances Tiafoe?
Frances Tiafoe is a 25-year-old American tennis player who made it to the semi-finals at last year’s US Open. He even defeated Rafael Nadal along the way.
Could there be more Americans in the last eight of the tournament?
Yes, ninth seed Taylor Fritz is set to play against Dominic Stricker and could potentially join Shelton and Tiafoe, making it three Americans in the quarter-finals.
What did Russell Fuller say about Ben Shelton?
Russell Fuller, a tennis correspondent for BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, noted that Shelton plays with a contagious enthusiasm and that his positive energy rubs off on the audience.
What was the fastest serve of this year’s tournament?
The fastest serve of this year’s tournament was sent down by Ben Shelton at 149mph.
More about Ben Shelton US Open 2023 Quarter-Finals
- US Open Official Website
- Sport News Center Tennis Coverage
- BBC Radio 5 Live Sports
- Arthur Ashe Stadium Venue Details
- Ben Shelton’s ATP Player Profile
- Frances Tiafoe
10 comments
Ah, the good ol’ days of Roddick. Can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Feeling old yet? haha
Russell Fuller hit the nail on the head. Ben’s energy is super contagious! He’s like the rockstar of tennis right now.
Gotta say, haven’t felt this pumped about American tennis in ages. Finally, some young blood’s making waves. Ben’s the real deal.
Not to be that guy but can we also give props to Tommy Paul? He fought hard, but Ben was just unstoppable.
the future of American tennis is lookin bright and i’m here for it. Let’s go Ben and Frances!
if Taylor Fritz joins Ben and Frances in the last eight, then we got ourselves an all-American tennis party y’all.
Being from NY, the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows was electric, man. The crowd was totally into it. Ben has that x-factor.
OMG! Did ya’ll see that serve from Ben Shelton? Nearly broke the sound barrier, I swear. So here for it.
Love how Ben’s not just about the win. He wants to inspire kids? That’s champion material right there, folks.
Yo, Frances Tiafoe vs Ben Shelton? That’s like the Marvel crossover of tennis, can’t wait for the showdown!