Categories: ATPTokyoTop Story

Shelton triumphs in Tokyo for first career title

Ben Shelton earned the first title of his career on Sunday with a 7-5, 6-1 hammering of Aslan Karatsev to triumph at the ATP event in Tokyo.

The 21-year-old US Open semi-finalist was helped by 20 unforced errors from his opponent in the title match of the 500 series tournament which lasted 84 minutes.

“That meant a lot to me and my team,” the winner said. “We’ve been working really hard since the beginning to build my game and win titles.

“I’ve made some deep runs lately. The great champions, they win titles, they don’t just get to finals. 

“To be able to do it for one week, put together five matches in a row in Tokyo is really special.”

The No. 19 will rise four spots in the rankings after his breakthrough success at the Ariake Colosseum. Shelton is also in the running for a place in the ATP season final for under 21 players.

“I’m really looking forward to this tail-end stretch of the year, it’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong.”

Shelton finished with 18 winners and backed up the Tokyo title for Americans a year after Taylor Fritz took the honours.

Main photo:- Ben Shelton lifts Tokyo trophy – by ATPTour.com

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Nadal goes down in final match

Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…

3 days ago

Sinner flattens de Minaur in runaway home start

Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…

2 weeks ago

Madcap Medvedev suffers temperamental Turin Finals loss

Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…

2 weeks ago

Team Sinner considering skipping Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…

2 weeks ago

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

1 month ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

1 month ago