Munich, Stuttgart, Halle – Ben Shelton (USA) could achieve this hat-trick this year. Following his tournament victories in Munich and Stuttgart, he has now also made a successful start at the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN in Halle. With 7:5, 6:3, the 23-year-old world number five prevailed against lucky loser Lorenzo Sonego (Italy).
Many an older tennis fan still raves about the serve of the American John McEnroe. The left-hander would stand almost parallel to the baseline, only to twist his body into the court a moment later in order to drive his opponent as far back as possible. Ben Shelton’s serve is strongly reminiscent of John McEnroe’s. However, the 23-year-old serves significantly harder, frequently reaching serve speeds of over 200 kilometres per hour.
These serves also caused Lorenzo Sonego problems. And so, after the world number five’s first break to make it 4–2, the first set seemed all but over. But far from it. The Italian struck back immediately and kept the match evenly balanced until 5–5. Only then did Ben Shelton really come into his own again, converting his first set point to secure a second break and win the set 7–5 after 45 minutes.
The second set unfolded in exactly the same way as the first. Once again, the American broke serve to make it 4–2. This time, however, he managed to hold his serve afterwards – twice. And with an ace reminiscent of McEnroe’s heyday, Ben Shelton wrapped up the match, which he won 7–5, 6–3.
“Yes, I feel incredibly at home in Germany – in Munich, Stuttgart and now in Halle. The TERRA WORTMANN OPEN is a wonderful tournament,” said a delighted Ben Shelton after his very first match on the Halle grass courts.
