Just two American men are now left in this year’s Australian Open.
Following Taylor Fritz’s defeat to Lorenzo Musetti, only Ben Shelton and Learner Tien remain in the draw as the tournament approaches its latter stages.
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Shelton defeated 12th seed Casper Ruud to book his place in the last eight at Melbourne Park for the second consecutive year.
Tien, meanwhile, became the youngest American to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since Andy Roddick in 2001, by beating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
The 20-year-old has shown promising signs in his campaign Down Under so far, and has impressed his compatriot Shelton.
Ben Shelton reacts to Learner Tien’s run in Melbourne so far
“I’ve just been really excited seeing Learner and Iva Jovic,” said Shelton in his post-match press conference.
While only two Americans are still standing on the men’s side, four women have advanced in the women’s tournament; one of whom is 18-year-old Iva Jovic.
Shelton continued: “Iva trains in Orlando where I’m at. Learner doesn’t. But just seeing the progress that he’s made.
“Gosh, I guess I used to think of him as a little guy. He’s not little anymore, and he’s playing some serious ball. So I’m really excited.
“Obviously being a lefty as well, it’s fun for me to watch. I think that he plays great tennis tactically. I think he’s a great athlete. I think he’s just getting better and better.
“So I think the Learner Tien, Michael Chang duo is pretty dangerous and, yeah, just looking forward to seeing where he ends up at the end of the year.”
Michael Chang, a former Roland Garros champion, is the current coach of Tien.
Tien is set to face Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, against whom he is tied one apiece in the head-to-head.
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Ben Shelton says his dad ‘loves’ his serve and volley approach in Melbourne
Shelton put on an incredible display with his serve and volley against Ruud, losing just one net point in four sets.
When asked if his dad and coach, Bryan Shelton, enjoyed the performance, the 23-year-old said: “Oh, he loves it.
“I think he would rather me volley well and lose the match than (laughter).. No, I think that’s a part of my game that he’s had a massive influence in.
“Obviously he was a great serve and volleyer. Over the years, he tries, you know, to help me get better and better at it.
“We’re in a different age of tennis where the baseliners are so good and what guys can do with the return is ridiculous, so you do have to get creative with what serves you use and what times you serve and volley.
“Because there are certain plays that I know that a lot of guys are just too good in certain areas for me to come up with the goods. I’m very strategic with what serves I use to serve and volley and where I come in.”
Shelton will face defending champion Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
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