NEW YORK, SEP 7 (IANS): Ben Shelton’s US Open campaign surged forward as the American eighth seed stormed into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at Arthur Ashe Stadium. After battling through four-set matches in each of his first three rounds against Tallon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz, and Denis Shapovalov, Shelton delivered a far more decisive performance against Tsitsipas, wrapping up the match in just one hour and 51 minutes. The win marks his sixth Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance and his second at Flushing Meadows, following his 2023 semifinal breakthrough.
Shelton’s form has been exceptional since the North American hard-court swing began after Wimbledon, compiling a 12-2 record highlighted by his second ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal. His latest triumph extended a remarkable run of victories over three consecutive former Top 10 players. Tsitsipas, who had entered the match with confidence after wins over Arthur Fils, Lloyd Harris, and Jiri Lehecka, struggled to find rhythm and briefly required medical attention while trailing in the second set. Shelton capitalized, breaking early in the third and maintaining control until closing out the contest.
Awaiting Shelton in the quarterfinals is defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who advanced with a straight-sets win over Tommy Paul. Alcaraz, returning to competition after a lengthy absence since April, has shown little sign of rust and holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against Shelton, including their last meeting at Roland Garros. With a US Open semifinal berth at stake, Shelton faces his toughest challenge yet against the Spaniard.
In women’s singles, Emma Navarro booked her place in the quarterfinals by defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-4, 6-2. The No. 25 seed, who previously reached the semifinals at Flushing Meadows in 2024, secured her fourth career Grand Slam quarterfinal with a confident display, breaking twice in the second set to seal victory in 1 hour and 21 minutes. Navarro now faces fellow American Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed, who overcame Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-4 to reach her third consecutive US Open quarterfinal. Pegula has dominated their rivalry, winning all four previous encounters, including their recent clash in Cincinnati.
