2024-07-08 05:20:02
Jannik Sinner overcame a late fightback to beat Ben Shelton 6-3 6-4 7-6 (11-9) and secure his place in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon.
Sinner was superb in the first two sets of the match, but Shelton showed he has a bright future ahead of him with a defiant display on his way to defeat in the third.
Sinner is now the first Italian to reach the quarter-finals of Wimbledon on three separate occasions.
The two rivals traded the first four games of the match, but the world No. 1 found his moment to strike in the fifth.
The Italian broke his opponent thanks to a superb return from a thunderous Shelton serve and then held his own to take a 4-2 lead in the opening set.
Sinner tightened his grip on the match as he produced a double break before holding serve to win the first set 6-2.
Sinner continued from where he left off in the second set, showing off his superb serve to take a quick two-game lead.
He then held serve again to cruise into a comfortable two-set advantage.
That sparked some life into Shelton, who finally began to find his feet.
Just as the match appeared to be slipping through his fingers, he broke his opponent, taking a 2-0 lead at the start of the third set.
The crowd in SW19 were behind Shelton, but Sinner showed his class as he suffocated Shelton’s momentum and broke back in style.
The world No. 14 showed immense character to secure a set point, but Sinner’s quality shined through once again as the Italian battled back to send it to a tie-break.
Shelton forced several set points but Sinner was nerveless, winning the tie-break under immense pressure to wrap up the victory in straight sets.
The world No. 1 was quick to praise his opponent for an impressive display in the third set.
“It was a very tough match, especially in the third set,” he said.
“The tie-break we saw I had to save set points, these types of matches can go very long, and I am very happy to close it in three [sets].
“The atmosphere, as always, has been amazing, so thanks, everyone.
“We have a lot of fun when we work [with his team].
“We work for these kind of moments, to play here the best I can.
“As players, we want to put on a show for all of you and if the match is very good everyone enjoys it, so we also try to make that happen.
“We also have to smile and to be excited and happy on the court which is the most important thing.
“Quarters of a Grand Slam, it is always a huge honour to play, especially here on this court so hopefully it is going to be a good match also to watch and to enjoy.
