Ben Shelton Powers Into Wimbledon Third Round Unscathed

Can Ben Shelton’s revamped backhand drive him deep into the Wimbledon fortnight? The American sensation has blitzed through his opening matches without dropping a set, showcasing significant improvements in his game. Shelton defeated Alex Bolt and Rinky Hijikata convincingly, setting up a third-round clash with Marton Fucsovics. His dominant start, highlighted by a clinical 70-second finish against Hijikata after a suspension, signals a player hitting form at the perfect moment in the Grand Slam calendar.

Shelton’s Flawless Grass-Court Resurgence

Just weeks after disappointing exits at Queen’s and the Mallorca Championships, Ben Shelton has transformed his fortunes on the hallowed lawns of the All England Club. His powerful left-handed serve has been a foundation, but it’s his all-round game that has propelled him effortlessly into the third round. Shelton dispatched Australian Alex Bolt in straight sets (6-4, 7-6(1), 7-6(5)), navigating two tense tiebreaks with composure beyond his years.

He followed this with an even more commanding performance against Rinky Hijikata. Despite the match spilling over two days due to fading light – paused just as Shelton prepared to serve for victory – the 20th seed required a mere 70 seconds upon the resumption to secure a 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win. Shelton dominated on serve, firing 11 aces and crucially not facing a single break point against the Australian.

This unblemished start marks Shelton’s second career appearance in the Wimbledon third round and contrasts sharply with his pre-tournament grass struggles. The consistency and mental fortitude displayed, especially in tight sets, suggest a player maturing rapidly on the Grand Slam stage.

The Backhand Transformation Fueling Shelton’s Run

A key factor in Shelton’s early success is a noticeable evolution in his previously vulnerable backhand wing. Speaking candidly after defeating Hijikata, Shelton pinpointed this area as a major point of progress:

“I think my backhand has improved a lot, especially my ability to deal with pace to the backhand, hitting lower balls off the backhand and being able to put top spin on the backhand sometimes. I can hit passing shots, which I used to only really be able to hit the lob off the backhand, I couldn’t pass well off that side.”

This technical enhancement provides Shelton with greater versatility and resilience in baseline exchanges. Where opponents might have previously targeted his backhand with pace or low slices, he now possesses more weapons to counter-attack and even dictate play. While acknowledging it’s “a work in progress,” Shelton’s confidence in this once weaker shot is growing match by match, making him a more complete and dangerous opponent on all surfaces, particularly grass.

The improvement was evident against both Bolt and Hijikata. Shelton handled deep, fast balls to his backhand corner with greater stability, often responding with penetrating drives or well-disguised passes. This added dimension forces rivals to rethink their tactical approach against the powerful American.

Next Challenge: Fucsovics and the Path Ahead

Shelton’s next hurdle is Hungarian veteran Marton Fucsovics, a lucky loser who battled past Gael Monfils in a grueling five-set second-round encounter. Fucsovics, known for his relentless physicality and solid groundstrokes, represents a different challenge to Shelton’s previous opponents. The American’s powerful serve and aggressive returning will be tested against Fucsovics’ durability.

Should Shelton navigate this test, the draw potentially sets up a blockbuster quarter-final clash with world number one Jannik Sinner. Reaching the last eight would surpass Shelton’s previous best Wimbledon result and further cement his status among the game’s elite young talents. His current form, bolstered by his improved backhand and dominant serving, suggests he has the tools to make a deep run.

The path also features other formidable talents like Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Lorenzo Musetti, Ugo Humbert, and David Goffin, underlining the stacked nature of the Wimbledon field. Shelton’s ability to maintain his flawless set record and handle the escalating pressure will be crucial as the tournament progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Ben Shelton has stormed into the Wimbledon third round without dropping a set, defeating Alex Bolt and Rinky Hijikata with commanding performances. His serve remains potent, but his overall consistency has been the hallmark of his run.
• Shelton credits significant improvement in his backhand as a key factor in his early success. He highlighted enhanced handling of pace, ability to hit topspin, and newfound effectiveness with passing shots from that wing.
• A swift 70-second finish against Hijikata after an overnight suspension showcased Shelton’s mental focus. He faced zero break points in that match, underlining his serving dominance.
• Next up for the 20th seed is a third-round match against Marton Fucsovics, a tough competitor who overcame Gael Monfils in five sets.
• A potential quarter-final clash with top seed Jannik Sinner looms if Shelton continues his winning ways, offering a chance to surpass his previous Wimbledon best and challenge the world’s best.