Ben Shelton claimed his second ATP Tour title by defeating defending champion Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling final at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston. The 21-year-old Shelton showcased his talent by serving 11 aces en route to victory, making him the youngest player to win this event since Andy Roddick achieved the feat at 19 years old in 2002.
Despite his previous struggles on clay courts with a 2-7 career record and five consecutive losses on the surface, Shelton overcame the odds by winning three grueling three-set matches to clinch the title. His exceptional performance included winning 83% of his first-serve points, as reported by Infosys ATP Stats, in a match that lasted 2 hours and 16 minutes.
Following the intense final, both Shelton and Tiafoe, who share a friendly relationship, exchanged words of admiration and encouragement. Shelton expressed his respect for Tiafoe's abilities and encouraged him to aim for more titles in the future, while Tiafoe acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on a consecutive title but remained optimistic about his prospects for the rest of the year.
Shelton's victory is a significant milestone in his career, marking his first title since winning in Tokyo last October. The former Florida Gators standout is set to climb to No. 14 in the upcoming ATP rankings, reflecting his impressive performance and potential in the world of professional tennis.
