World · Singapore Bureau
Shelton advances at US Open with home support helping edge Hurkacz
American Ben Shelton overcame a stern challenge from Poland's Hubert Hurkacz to progress to the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. The home crowd at Flushing Meadows played a decisive role in Shelton's 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 victory in a closely contested match.
LSN Singapore ·
Shelton's passage through the second round came after a demanding four-set encounter that tested the American's composure and resilience. Facing the experienced Hurkacz, Shelton was forced to dig deep through a tightly contested final two sets, with the match ultimately decided by fine margins in both a tiebreaker and the fourth-set conclusion.
The atmosphere at the US Open proved instrumental in Shelton's ability to maintain momentum when the match hung in the balance. The partisan crowd's sustained support appeared to energise the American during crucial moments, particularly in the tiebreaker that clinched the third set and shifted the psychological advantage in his favour.
Hurkacz, seeded among the tournament's top contenders, mounted a spirited challenge throughout the encounter. The Pole's competitive display in the second set, where he forced a tiebreaker scenario, demonstrated the quality of opposition Shelton had overcome to secure his berth in the next round.
Shelton's victory advances his campaign at Flushing Meadows and sets up a third-round matchup as the tournament progresses into its second week of competition.