Ben Shelton was wise to the tricks of his doubles partner as he began his run at the Montreal Masters with a 7-6 (4), 6-2 win which ended on a freak point.
The American beat Kazakh Alexander Bublik in a unique finish to the 90-minute first round contest.
Racing for a drop shot on match point, Bublik – famed for surprise underhand serves – the ATP No. 25 realised he would never reach the ball in time.
As a last-gasp chance he flung his racquet at the bottom of the net, just catching the dropping ball and creating a reverse drop shot onto the Shelton side of the court.
While the pair dissolved in laughter after the shot was quickly found in breach of the rules – handing Shelton the win – the episode was taken in good spirits by both, who hugged and laughed at the net.
“It was crazy, but a special shot regardless,” the 21-year-old winner said. “I asked after the match and the point doesn’t count if the racquet leaves your hand before it touches the ball.
“But it shows the skills he can do. This was a funny moment on match point that we shared – he’s the only guy who could do something like that.”
Shelton advanced with 27 winners, matching the 27 unforced errors of Bublik.
The 11th seed did not play the Paris Olympics, instead competing last week in Washington where he reached the semi-finals.
Main photo:- Ben Shelton and his doubles partner enjoy the freak match point in Montreal – by ATPTour.com
