Shanghai Masters 1000, Jannik Sinner: chance for rematch with Ben Shelton

Jannik Sinner, chance for rematch with Ben Shelton in Shanghai

Ben Shelton again on Jannik Sinner’s way in the Shanghai Masters 1000. After the world number one’s hard-fought victory over Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry, in fact, the U.S. tennis player joined him in the round of 16 thanks to a clear success over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, cleared with a quick 6-3 6-4 after an hour and seven minutes of play.

Two breaks made the difference: in the first set, the balance was broken in the sixth game when Shelton took the serve off Carballes Baena at the first useful opportunity (4-2) and kept the lead until the final 6-3. In the second partial, the decisive break è came in the seventh game, with the American then closing on the final 6-4.

In the 'Rolex Shanghai Masters', Sinner will thus have a chance to take revenge on Shelton, who just a year ago, also in the round of 16, defeated him in a comeback (2-6 6-3 7-6). Since that challenge, however, the azure has won the last three direct confrontations with the American without conceding a single set: round of 16 at the ATP 500 in Vienna 2023 (7-6 7-5) and round of 16 at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 (7-6 6-1) and at Wimbledon (6-2 6-4 7-6) this year.

L'altoatesino will challenge Shelton on Wednesday. The time has yet to be announced by organizers of the Chinese tournament. If he wins, Sinner in the quarterfinals will challenge the winner of the match between Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.