Opposed to Tommy Paul in the round of 16, Ben Shelton won in four sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 6-0). And if he got people talking about him, it was thanks in particular to an exceptional service game during which he scored 3 aces: one at 227 km/h and the other two at 240. The one who is ranked 47th in the world is commented on his performance after the match: “It’s pure adrenaline. In another atmosphere, I don’t think I could do it. I think my arm might fall off.”
The fastest career ace remains that of Sam Groth, with a speed of 263 km/h during the Busan challenger in 2012. However, this serve is not officially recognized by the ATP. The fastest in the tournament is that of John Isner during the 2016 Davis Cup with a speed of 253 km/h.
Ben Shelton will face another compatriot in the quarter-finals, world number 10 Frances Tiafoe.