In an exciting showdown in Melbourne, 22-year-old American Ben Shelton delivered a masterclass in resilience and composure, toppling Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in four pulsating sets to secure a spot in the Australian Open fourth round.
Ben Shelton proved his mettle, overcoming the 15th-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in a gripping third-round encounter that encapsulated the drama and intensity of Grand Slam tennis. Despite surrendering an early break in the decisive fourth set, the young American held his nerve in a tense tie-break to notch his first-ever win against the talented Italian.
“This has been my lucky court,” Shelton shared during his on-court interview, basking in the deafening applause from the raucous John Cain Arena crowd. “Everybody gets a little rowdy when the sun goes down. I always want to play here.”
Musetti, renowned for his artistry and tactical prowess, wielded his signature slice to blunt Shelton’s heavy lefty forehand. The Italian’s ability to counterpunch and keep Shelton off balance made for a fascinating chess match, particularly during the fourth set. Yet, when it mattered most, Shelton’s explosive energy and sharp volleys carried him across the finish line.
It was a high-stakes battle steeped in context. Musetti led their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 2-0, and as Shelton quipped, “We say on Tour if someone beats you three times in a row, they’re your daddy. I was fighting to not let that happen.” His victory not only broke that streak but showcased his growing maturity on the sport’s biggest stages.
The 20th seed’s journey in Melbourne is rapidly gaining momentum. Having reached the quarter-finals here on debut in 2023, Shelton now faces French veteran Gael Monfils, fresh off a stunning upset of World No. 4 Taylor Fritz. Monfils, riding an eight-match win streak, promises another scintillating clash for the young American.
