Ben Shelton has matched his best Wimbledon campaign after defeating Marton Fucsovics in straight sets.
Shelton beat Fucsovics 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 to advance to the fourth round at the All England Club for the second time in his career, where he’ll face Lorenzo Sonego.
The American has enjoyed an impressive run at the championships so far, and is yet to drop a set over three matches.
His Wimbledon journey last year ended in the fourth round, where he lost to Jannik Sinner, and he could potentially face the Italian again in the quarter-finals should he get there.
Following the match, Shelton acknowledged the hot crowd on Court No.1 and told them what he hopes will happen to him at some point.
Ben Shelton reacts to reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon
Speaking after the match, the world number 10 said: “I had a lot of fun. Hey, it’s always special playing here at Wimbledon.
“This is my third time playing here on court one. It’s a special court, a special atmosphere. I love that I got to play another time here this year.
“Hopefully, I get a few more matches on one of these two big courts. So I’m trying to make my way to centre court, maybe I’ll get there one day.”
He said of his US supporters in the crowd: “I don’t want a stereotype, but they could either be taking a week off of work in the summer, they’re working in New York, or maybe they’re in college and they have the summer off, but I love that they’re over here supporting the USA.
“I hope you boys enjoyed your 4th of July, and I hope you come back on Monday.”
- Shelton’s Wimbledon campaign so far
- First Round: Defeated Alex Bolt, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6
- Second Round: Defeated Rinky Hijikata 6-2, 7-5, 6-4
- Third Round: Defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 7-6, 6-2
Shelton’s next opponent is someone he has faced four times before on the ATP tour.
He said of Sonego: “He’s a great player. I played him tight in Australia this year, and I played him tight in Roland Garros.
“It’s only fitting that, you know, we match up here in Wimbledon. So it’ll be a tough one. I know he’s playing great.
“The grass is a great surface for him, big serve, big forehand, high energy. It’ll be difficult.
“I like my chances right now, the way that I’m playing, the way that, you know, the crowd is helping me with the energy, and we’re gonna keep this thing rolling.
“So I appreciate everybody for coming out. Thanks a lot. It means a lot to me. Goodnight.”
Ben Shelton becomes youngest American to achieve feat since 2004
With his win over the Hungarian, Shelton has become the youngest American men’s player to make three round-of-16 appearances at majors in a calendar year in 21 seasons.
The 22-year-old follows former US Open champion Andy Roddick, who achieved the feat aged 21 in 2004.
Shelton is one of two Americans left in the men’s tournament at Wimbledon this year, with his compatriot Taylor Fritz still remaining in the bottom half of the draw.
The last US male player to win a Grand Slam was Roddick, who emerged victorious at Flushing Meadows in 2003.
Both Shelton and Fritz will likely have to find their way past one of the top two seeds in SW19 in hope of ending the drought.
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