Tiafoe tops good friend Shelton in epic US Open battle

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Tiafoe tops good friend Shelton in epic US Open battle

Frances Tiafoe weathered a Ben Shelton storm in a captivating all-********* blockbuster to win 4-6 7-5 6-7 (7-5) 6-4 6-3 and move into the last-16 of the US Open for the fifth consecutive year.

A year ago in New York, Tiafoe was eliminated by Shelton in four sets in the quarter-finals. The year before that Tiafoe, who loves the tournament’s spotlight and its electricity, defeated Rafael Nadal on the way to the US Open semi-finals, the best grand slam showing of his career.

After getting past Shelton in a match that lasted four hours, three minutes, Tiafoe spread his arms wide and looked around at the thousands cheering in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

When it ended the two pals met at the net for a hug and a lengthy chat.

“Dude, it looked casual, but I was tight as *****,” he said he told Shelton afterward.

“I’ve got to say, Ben’s an incredible player, man. He’s an incredible player. He really is,” Tiafoe told spectators during a post-match interview.

“He goes for all kind of shots. He’s got no care in the world. It’s really annoying. … He’s really talented. He can come up with great shots. So can I.

“It’s highlight after highlight. I hope you guys enjoyed the show.”

Shelton was magnanimous in defeat.

“Since I’ve been on tour today was probably the best that anyone has returned my serve,” said Shelton.

“It’s important to show it sometimes that you can be happy for a guy when they beat you.”

Up next for Tiafoe is No.28 seed Alexei Popyrin, who stunned 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic in four sets.

The *********** triumphed 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 to become the first *********** in 18 years to beat the history-chasing Serb at a grand slam.

********* No.12 seed Taylor ******, moved on with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win against Francisco Comesana of Argentina and will now take on three-time slam finalist and No.8 Casper Ruud.

Norwegian Ruud had to ****** from two sets down to beat China’s Juncheng Shang before eventually triumphing 6-7 (7-1) 3-6 6-0 6-3 6-1.

Other third-round winners included No.9 Gregor Dimitrov, who beat Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-3 6-1 and No.6 Andrey Rublev.

The Russian defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-3 7-5 6-4.

Brandon Nakashima also progressed. The ********* upset No.16 seed Lorenzo Musetti, winning 6-2 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4).

with Reuters

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