Ben Shelton has reached the quarter-finals of the 33rd TERRA WORTMANN OPEN. The world number five, who is playing in Halle for the first time this year, defeated his American compatriot Ethan Quinn 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in a hard-fought match.
Shelton was able to rely heavily on his serve – which regularly exceeded 220 kilometres per hour – for long stretches of the match. The midsummer temperatures in the heristo-arena made the match even faster-paced, whilst sweat was already dripping from the players’ faces after just a few minutes.
Quinn, who missed out on reaching his first ATP Tour quarter-final at the tenth attempt, also started well. However, with the score at 4–4, the 22-year-old then made several unforced errors. Shelton didn’t hesitate and converted the second break point of the match to make it 5–4. A few minutes later, the US star sealed the first set.
The second set then turned into a truly thrilling match that demanded everything from the players, both physically and mentally. The closing stages of the set were particularly intense. With the score at 5–5, Shelton earned no fewer than five break points, which Quinn, however, fended off in superb fashion. One game later, on Shelton’s serve, the score suddenly stood at 0–40, giving Quinn three set points. After two service winners, the underdog placed his third return just in front of the baseline, thereby levelling the set.
Shelton was deeply shaken; at the start of the deciding set, the left-hander immediately conceded another break. However, he subsequently found his way back to his best tennis just in time and turned the tables by winning four games in a row to lead 4–2. After 2 hours and 17 minutes, he converted his first match point to secure victory.
Quarter-final to be a repeat of last week’s Stuttgart final
Friday’s quarter-final will see a repeat of last week’s Stuttgart final. Shelton narrowly edged out his compatriot Taylor Fritz 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Fritz had just secured his place in the last eight with a clear two-set victory over Fabian Marozsan. “I’m looking forward to it,” said Shelton after his win, adding with regard to the (hot) conditions: “A few things will be different. Last week it was cooler and very windy.”
Fritz had also previously expressed his anticipation: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I played well enough to win last time, but couldn’t capitalise on my chances at the crucial moments. He played the break points better.”
