Ben Shelton wins first clay title in historic final in Houston
In a thrilling three-set final, Shelton edged Francis Tiafoe to win his second ATP tour title and first clay title of his career.
ZURICH, Switzerland - April 8, 2024 - On athlete Ben Shelton clinched his second ATP tour title in Houston this weekend, beating fellow American Francis Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
In a tournament close to the Shelton family, with Shelton’s father Bryan winning it in 1992, Shelton overcame three three-set matches to claim the title, becoming the youngest player since Andy Roddick in 2002 to win the event.
On his way to the final, Shelton beat Zizou Bergs (BEL), Brian Nakashima (USA), and Tomas Etcheverry (ARG), to set up the first African-American men’s singles tennis final in the Open Era against Francis Tiafoe (USA).
In the final, Shelton showed off his signature serve, hitting 11 aces and winning 83% of his first points in the thrilling two-hour and 16-minute match.
Speaking on the final, Shelton said: “Sharing the court with Francis in the first African-American men’s singles tennis final in the Open Era at a tournament my dad previously won was something truly special. I’m glad I could add the Shelton family name to the trophy again. From never having played on clay courts until last year, to winning this historic final is epic and truly representative of my professional tennis journey. I’m excited for the rest of the season ahead and what's to come on the European Clay.”
Lifting the trophy in Houston propels Shelton to a new career-high singles ranking of 14 as of April 8th. He is also expected to become the No.1 American ahead of Taylor Fritz later this month.
Shelton is due to make his first appearance on European Clay at the Madrid Open later in April, before heading to the infamous clay courts of Roland Garros for the French Open.
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