In a commanding display of skill and power, Ben Shelton emerged victorious in the Dallas Open quarterfinals with a resounding 6-3, 6-3 win against Michael Mmoh. Known for his dominant serve, the third-seeded American showcased his proficiency on the court, losing only three points on his serve throughout the entire match.
Right from the beginning, Shelton established his superiority on the court. He wasted no time in breaking Mmoh’s serve early in both sets, allowing him to build a comfortable lead. In the first set, Shelton quickly gained a 3-0 advantage with a break of Mmoh’s serve, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
As the match progressed, Shelton’s dominance on his serve became even more evident. The first 18 points of the second set were won by the servers, with neither player able to break through. However, Shelton’s relentless pursuit paid off as he won three consecutive points on Mmoh’s serve, earning a crucial break point and taking a 3-2 lead. This breakthrough proved to be the turning point in the match.
Buoyed by his earlier successes, Shelton maintained his focus and continued to exert pressure on his opponent. Capitalizing on his left-handed hard serve, Shelton broke Mmoh’s serve once again, extending his lead to 5-3. With a dominant final game, he closed out the match flawlessly, winning it at love.
Reflecting on his performance, Shelton expressed surprise at the level of play he showcased. As the 16th-ranked player, he exceeded his own expectations and proved his mettle on the court. This victory not only highlighted his skills but also demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations.
While Shelton’s victory was remarkable, it was not the only surprising result of the day. Two seeded players suffered defeats in straight sets during the earlier matches. Fifth-seeded American Christopher Eubanks fell to Australia’s James Duckworth 7-6 (3), 6-4, while No. 6 seed Max Purcell lost 6-4, 6-3 against Marcos Giron of the U.S. These unexpected outcomes added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
With this impressive win, Shelton advances to the quarterfinals of the Dallas Open. The top-seeded Frances Tiafoe is set to open his campaign on Thursday night in the round of 16 against Alex Michelsen, a talented 19-year-old American. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches, showcasing the skill and determination of the players vying for the prestigious title.
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