- Alexei Popyrin has been unable to secure a maiden Grand Slam fourth round appearance, going down to American Ben Shelton in straight sets on Saturday. Popyrin, backed by a healthy pro-Australian crowd on John Cain Arena, started brightly before the Florida Gators product Shelton took control of the match, dictating points from the baseline with the help of a massive serve. In a second set tiebreak, Shelton raced to a 4-1 lead before Popyrin clawed his way back to 4-5. However Shelton, a left-hander, steadied to take the set and the wind out of the sails of the parochial crowd. From there, the American sailed through his service games, and broke the Australian in the 10th game of the set, winning 6-3, 7-6(4) 6-4. This year's Australian Open is Shelton's first major tournament outside the United States, having played on on the college circuit for a number of years. In his on-court interview following the win, Shelton said he was happy with his level of aggression -- at one point he pulled out a 197km/h second serve -- and said silencing the crowd was key to building momentum. "I know I came from college tennis and I thought it was rowdy there, but this stadium is something special," he said of John Cain Arena. "I know that you guys were going for your hometown boy and I didn't have most of the crowd, but thanks to everyone out there supporting me. It was great fun to be out on court." Shelton will face fellow American J.J. Wolf in the fourth round on Monday.
Into the QF with a 6-7, 6-2, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 win over Wolf! Amazing, he hasn't lost a single service game since the first game if his 2nd round match, yet he really had to dig this one out after some nervy errors in the 1st and 3rd set TBs. Another All-American matchup forthcoming against ATP#35 Tommy Paul. Dream draw likely to end vs Djokovic in the semis if he can get by Paul.
Ben is loving every minute of this run because that is who he is. I know Tommy Paul's game and Ben can beat him. If this becomes a reality, what a start to his professional career. A meeting with Novak in the semifinals of a Grand Slam. His success will only enhance the Gator men's tennis program!
It will be late Tuesday night/early Wed morning for us. Schedule should be out by tomorrow AM. My guess is it will be similar to his last match, i.e. start around 10-11PM ET, end at like 2-3AM ET.
It should it also presumably get full play on ESPN2 (for the non ESPN+ folks) since there's only really 1 court in action now.
I am guessing it will be following the women's match which is being televised now. It is past my bedtime. LOL Good luck to Ben.
Lost to Paul in 4. 7-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. Didn't quite have his A game and Paul was exceptional from the baseline in the bit I could watch. Still quite a run and a good experience. Up to #43 or so in the rankings on Monday. He may well be seeded at the next slam.
Never quit even when down 2 sets and got a lot of praise from McEnroe. Kids got a hell of a serve. Great future.