Ben Shelton is ready to take on one of the world’s best in the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals.
The 22-year-old is back on home soil and he thrives on the energy from the crowds, especially in the United States.
Since the North American hard court swing commenced, Shelton has won the Canadian Open and lost just one match.
He aims to keep his nine-match winning streak alive but standing in Shelton’s way is the world number three Alexander Zverev, a player he has yet to beat.
Ben Shelton is looking forward to facing Alexander Zverev at the Cincinnati Open
Ben Shelton has reached the last eight at the Cincinnati Open without dropping a set.
He is full of confidence after winning his first Masters 1000 title and he is showcasing the type of form that could bring him glory in Ohio.
Zverev, on the other hand, is searching for his first Masters 1000 title of the season and like Shelton, he has not lost a set in Cincinnati. There is plenty on the line in this anticipated quaterfinal clash, and Shelton cannot wait to step on court and get started.
“I am looking forward to it. I feel really comfortable right now, the most comfortable that I have felt on the court, not just playing but returning,” Shelton told Tennis Channel.
“The things that I usually feel uncomfortable with, I am feeling really good. So I am looking forward to the match up. It’s where you want to be, right? I want to be playing against top 10 guys, I want to be playing against top five guys.
“So getting to the point in the tournament more often where I get to match up with those guys is an important goal for me and every time I get to get out there and run it against them is huge. It’s one I’m really looking forward to and I’m excited about tomorrow night.”
What is Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev’s head-to-head record?
Shelton and Zverev have played one another on three occasions, and it does not make good reading for the world number six.
Zverev has won each of their matches, for the loss of just one set. Their first meeting came at the Cincinnati Open a year ago, when Zverev came from behind to win 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.
Shelton and Zverev played in the Munich final this season and the Stuttgart semifinals, and the German claimed straight sets victories.
Given the form of both players over the last fortnight, their next meeting looks set to be an enticing one that fans will not want to miss.
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