Paul vs Shelton: Tommy Paul, a 1st-time Grand Slam Quarter-Finalist, utilized his knowledge and dependability to stifle Ben Shelton’s explosive onslaught at the Australian Open. Paul prevailed on Rod Laver Arena 7-6/ 6-3/ 5-7/ 6-4 with his energetic yet solid foundation game during Paul vs Shelton contest. Shelton’s dramatic rally prompted a 4th set, but Paul’s quick reaction ended the Championship debut of his 20-year-old competitor.
Both Paul and his speedy counterpart were attack-oriented, and for the majority of the 3 hours and 6 minutes of play, both players deadly on service and initially in rallies. Although it was both players’ 1st Laver Match, Paul was a cut ahead in the lengthier rallies, striking 43 winners to 26 unforced mistakes.
Tommy Paul seemed superior in every aspect
Paul vs Shelton: Tommy Paul won 86% of his 1st-serve points against Shelton’s 76% notwithstanding the fairly young American’s 24 aces, and although Shelton’s lefty serves blasted in with a faster tempo than those of his competitor. Paul also had a better ground game.
A later mini-break determined the tie-break as Paul clamped out from the baseline to win 2 lengthy skirmishes at 6/6 at the conclusion of a high-quality inaugural set that has seen just 1 breakpoint, averted by Shelton at 1-1.
Paul vs Shelton: Ben Shelton’s commanding gameplay didn’t aggravate Paul
Paul vs Shelton: In set 2, the 25-year-old’s persistent return paid off. As he delivered on his 4th break opportunity of the encounter to command 4-2. However, this came only after Shelton generated his first 2 break opportunities of the contest and escaped at 15/40.
Paul had up a breakthrough at 4-3 in the 3rd set and looking to dominate in straight sets when Shelton gathered some more energy to tie the contest, much to the joy of the Laver Audience.
Paul vs Shelton: Tommy Paul advances to his first-ever Australian Open Semi-Final
In set 4, there was no turnaround as Paul commanded on serve. After earning his 3rd match-winning break right away during Paul vs Shelton Matchup. In the decisive set, he claimed all 17 of his 1st-serve points and only dropped 3.
Tommy Paul survived crucial moments and handled his 20-year-old rival’s ferocious serving superbly to advance to his maiden Grand Slam Semi-Final.
Tommy Paul will face Djokovic in the Semis
Paul vs Shelton: Being the only American man to have advanced to the last 4 of a Tournament. Paul joins John Isner and Frances Tiafoe. Shelton won the 3rd set after being dropped a break at 4-3, getting back into the Paul vs Shelton contest. However, Paul rebounded from a drop in intensity to regain the initiative in the 4th set.
This week, Paul rose 16 ranks to No. 19 in the ATP Live Standings. Positioning himself to become the 1st player to enter the Top 20. If he wins his first Grand Slam Trophy in Melbourne, he will move into the Top 10. Paul’s Semi-Final opposition will be Novak Djokovic.
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