SHANGHAI – American Sebastian Korda reached the semi-finals of a Masters series tournament for the first time in his career on Thursday, after barely defeating his compatriot Ben Shelton 6-7, (10), 6 -2 and 7-6 (6) in Shanghai.
It was the first duel between American tennis players in the quarterfinals of a Masters tournament since 2017, and both players came within two points of winning.
“I’m grateful I was able to maintain my composure,” said Korda, who converted his sixth match point. I negotiated some points badly, but I never stopped believing, even at 6-6 (in the ultimate tiebreaker). I just wanted to put the ball back in play, putting my racket in the right place, and then I played a little bit of luck. »
Korda, who is 23 years old, also reached the semi-finals of the Zhuhai Open and Astana, during this Asian portion of the ATP calendar.
Shelton, the 19th seed, was in the quarterfinals of a Masters tournament for the first time in his young career. He fired 17 aces, but suffered five breaks.
Korda will meet Hubert Hurkacz in the next round, after the Pole defeated world number 82 Fabian Marozsan 4-6, 6-1 and 6-3.
Hurkacz conceded only nine points on serve in the second and third sets.
“He was very effective, and I had to hang on to make sure I followed my game plan,” Hurkacz said. I had to be aggressive, because if my shots lacked depth, then he made me pay for it by making really good shots. I knew I had to hang in there today. »
2023-10-12 15:19:54
#ATP #Sebastian #Korda #Ben #Shelton
