Ben Shelton battled into the US Open third spherical for the fourth straight 12 months.
Richard PagliaroSeptember 2, 20264 minute learn
By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Picture credit score: Jon Buckle/ROLEX
Techniques and targets are pre-match subjects Ben Shelton discusses along with his dad and coach Bryan Shelton.
Locked in a dramatic duel vs. Hubert Hurkacz on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Shelton confirmed crowd-sourcing closing energy.
Shelton broke within the remaining sport sealing a 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 conquer Hurkacz beneath the closed roof on Ashe Stadium.
A cussed Shelton confirmed toughness on pivotal factors to struggle into the US Open third spherical for the fourth consecutive 12 months.
“Tremendous pleased with the best way the match went,” Shelton mentioned. “It was a battle till the tip.
“Hubi performed excellent.”
Hurkacz out-aced Shelton 14 to six and struck three extra winners (47 to 44) within the match.
In the end, Shelton’s all-court expertise helped him recover from the end line. Shelton received 34 of 46 journeys to web, together with 12 of 18 factors within the forecourt within the fourth set.
The 2023 semifinalist improved to 35-13 on the season, together with a 10-2 mark throughout this North American summer time exhausting courtroom season as Shelton goals to shut the Slam season with one other second-week run at his favourite main.
“We’re not performed but right here. I’m using the wave,” Shelton mentioned. “It’s been an up and down 12 months and I’m actually able to hit my stride.
“I’m pleased to play in New York and I couldn’t be extra excited.”
On a day through which Alex Michelsen toppled Sixteenth-seeded Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Grandstand this morning, Shelton hand his palms full with the big-serving Hurkacz, who fell to 0-7 lifetime in US Open second spherical matches.
Armed along with his aggression and roaring help from Ashe Stadium followers, Shelton mentioned he turned electrical vitality from followers into gasoline.
“Glad to play in New York and couldn’t be extra excited,” Shelton mentioned. “It’s the one time in our sport you get to listen to 20,000 folks screaming your identify.
“The sports activities tradition right here in New York is one thing you don’t expertise some other place. That’s why that is the best event on the earth and the best tennis stadium on the earth.”
The 2023 semifinalist improved to 35-13 on the season, together with a 10-2 mark throughout this North American summer time exhausting courtroom season.
Serving at 4-5, Shelton missed an inside-out forehand to face double set level. Hammering a few heavy serves, Shelton staved off each break factors. Shelton rocketed a 141 mph missile down the T leveling the second set at 5-all.
Hurkacz earned a 3rd set level within the twelfth sport. Scalding a forehand off the road, the Pole draw a large error as Hurkacz, who utilized strain shifting ahead, stole the second set to degree the match. Hurkacz received 9 of 10 factors within the second set.
The 2-time Canadian Open champion ran off eight straight service factors to pressure a third-set tiebreaker.
As heavy rains pelted off the retractable roof overlaying Arthur Ashe Stadium, Shelton, who earned the mini-break on the primary level, drizzled a forehand dropper for a 3-0 tiebreaker lead.
The Hurkacz’ two-handed backhand is usually a extra steady shot than his typically flat forehand. The previous Miami Open champion flew a forehand lengthy as Shelton despatched up 4-2.
Smacking a forehand strike down the road, Shelton induced one other errant forehand for a fistful of set factors at 6-2.
On his second set level, Shelton pounded down a bounce smash, seizing a two units to 1 lead after two hours, 16 minutes of play.
Former world No. 6 Hurkacz gained a break level within the fifth sport. Shelton saved it then held robust for a 3-2 lead.
Confronting break factors within the ninth sport, Shelton detonated a 137 mph serve to disclaim the primary then fought off the second break level holding for 5-4.
A crackling return left Hurkacz a bit flat-footed and he steered a forehand down the extensive to face match level.
Mixing the slithering slice backhand along with his forcing forehand, Shelton prevailed in a 13-shot rally inducing one remaining error to roar to a 3 hour, 24-minute triumph.
Shelton will face both Canadian Denis Shapovalov or Frenchman Luca Van Assche for a return to the spherical of 16.
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