NEW YORK — Ben Shelton faced a tougher challenge in the second round of the US Open compared to his opening match, but the top-ranked American emerged victorious against Hubert Hurkacz with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7), 7-5 on Wednesday afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match, which lasted three hours and 24 minutes, began with a swift first set that took just 32 minutes, where Shelton capitalized on his strong serving. However, Hurkacz, the Polish player ranked 17th, responded by taking the second set, setting the stage for a closely contested battle.
“I know I was never down in terms of set score, but the momentum definitely shifted,” Shelton remarked after the match. He acknowledged that Hurkacz elevated his game at critical moments, particularly when Shelton had a set and a break lead. “The match was fully in my control to up in the air,” he added, indicating the fluctuating dynamics of the encounter.
As the match progressed, both players showcased their skills with an array of shots, including forehands, backhands, drop shots, and volleys. Shelton noted that he had to adapt his game style towards the end to secure the win in four sets. “So that was a big one for me,” he stated, expressing his excitement and relief at overcoming the challenge posed by Hurkacz, who was serving exceptionally well and making few errors.
This victory follows Shelton's earlier win against Tallon Griekspoor, where he initially struggled but ultimately triumphed in four sets. In contrast, the match against Hurkacz saw Shelton trailing in each set after winning the first, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest.
The third set was particularly intense, with neither player able to break serve, and Shelton narrowly edged out Hurkacz in winners, 12 to 11. A pivotal moment came when Shelton executed a stunning lob that landed in the front-row seats, clinching the tiebreaker and energizing the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which Shelton referred to as the greatest tennis stadium in the world.
Reflecting on the match's intensity, Shelton acknowledged that such experiences are beneficial as he progresses through the tournament. “I think being battle tested is great,” he said, noting that while he could have perhaps won more efficiently, he credited Hurkacz for raising his level of play.
With this win, Shelton advances to the third round of the US Open, a significant milestone considering he had to retire in the same round last year due to a shoulder injury. This year, he is one step closer to potentially breaking a 20-year drought for American men at the US Open, with the last champion being Andy Roddick in 2003. However, Shelton remains focused on his own journey, stating, “I’m kind of just running my own race.”
As he prepares for the next round, Shelton is determined to continue improving his game and navigating the challenges of the tournament, while also acknowledging the presence of formidable competitors like defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
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