U.S. tennis star Ben Shelton defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas last night to book his place at the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open

Tsitsipas, who comes from Greece, has been playing well since returning from an injury but went down 6-2,6-3, 6-4 to the American.

Shelton has now defeated two single-handed backhand specialists in a row, namely Canadian Denis Shapovalov and now Tsitsipas.

In both cases Shelton was able to exploit their inconsistency and depth with the single-handed backhand. It was not a weapon for either man. 

Ben Shelton is part of a generation of American tennis players who are now making it into the second week of the U.S. Open. Tiafoe and Learner are also still in the draw.

Shelton’s game has improved and he imposes his physicality on his opponents. He plays with verve and attitude.

Coached by his father Bryan Shelton, Ben will be looking to break into the world’s top four. He is currently No. 9 on the ATP tour. So far this year, he has won four titles.  Former World No.1 the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz will face Shelton in the quarterfinals. 

Alcaraz is returning to the tour after a severe wrist injury. It was generally thought that he would rest and recover for the remainder of the year and show up at the Australian Open. He is playing extremely well at the U.S. Open  and will be tough to beat.

What can we expect from this match-up? 

Shelton said: “ It’s going to take special tennis to take down Carlos. I think the level he has been playing at is really impressive considering he has not been playing for the last five months. For him to come out and do what he has been doing in this tournament is super human.  We are happy to have him back on tour. He lights up the stadium every time he plays.

“It’s going to be fireworks on Tuesday night. I’m ready to go.”

This upcoming match will reveal whether Ben Shelton is a real contender and belongs with the top guys.