ATP
New York
Ben Shelton is up and running at this year’s US Open. A semi-finalist in New York 12 months ago, the American overcame former champion Dominic Thiem - who was competing in his final US Open match - 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the second round.
Shelton lit up New York last year when he became the youngest American man to reach the semis at the hard-court major since Michael Chang in 1992. The 21-year-old American looked comfortable on his return to Flushing Meadows on Monday when he dictated throughout against Thiem on Arthur Ashe Stadium to improve to 2-1 in the pair’s ATP Head2Head series.
Wild card Thiem was competing at the US Open for the final time. The 30-year-old Austrian, who is set to retire later this year, held a 23-9 record at the fourth major of the season, highlighted by the run to his maiden Grand Slam trophy in 2020. Four years ago, Thiem rallied from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev and capture the biggest title of his career.
On Monday, the former World No. 3 soaked in a standing ovation from the crowd following his defeat to Shelton, while he also received a photo collage on court.
"It has been 10 years since I first played here. It is actually a really important moment for me, because I had my greatest success here on this court,” Thiem said on court.
"In that weird 2020, in strange and different circumstances. I had this success unfortunately without any of you [the fans] here. It was an amazing moment but on the other hand a bit sad, so I am super happy I got the chance to play my last US Open match on this court.” Shelton was also quick to praise Thiem following the match.
"I want to say congrats to Domi and his team on an outstanding Grand Slam career,” Shelton said. "Four finals and a title is something only kids can dream about, sitting on the couch at home, which was me not too long ago. It could not happen to better people. I always see Domi’s face smiling and your team does it the right way. I am sorry this is that way this ended but congrats on everything. You have so much to be proud of.”
Shelton has enjoyed a consistent hard-court swing this month. He reached the semi-finals in Washington and then advanced to the quarter-finals at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. The No. 13 player in the PIF ATP Rankings will play Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round in New York.
Against Thiem, the 13th seed won 91 per cent (41/45) of his first-serve points and hit 34 winners compared to just 11 from Thiem to advance after one hour and 52 minutes.
"I love being out here in New York,” Shelton added. "There is not much better atmosphere than being on Ashe. I am glad I had the chance to open it up with Domi.”