Tennis News: Tiafoe and Shelton to Face Off in US Men’s Clay Court Championship Final
(Houston, AP) – Defending champion Frances Tiafoe and top-seeded Ben Shelton have advanced to the final of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston. Tennis fans are in for an exciting matchup as these two talented players compete for the title.
Tiafoe, currently ranked 21st in the world, defeated Luciano Darderi in the semifinals, winning 6-2, 7-6(2). The American player showcased his dominance in the opening set and managed to clinch the victory despite Darderi’s strong comeback in the second-set tiebreaker. Tiafoe is aiming to become the first repeat champion at this event since Steve Johnson won the title in 2017 and 2018.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Shelton, ranked 16th, fought back after losing the first-set tiebreaker to beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4. Shelton acknowledged that it took him some time to find his rhythm on the clay courts, but he eventually settled in and used the court’s slower pace to his advantage.
“It took me a little while to get adjusted to the clay, but once I did, I was able to use the court’s slower pace to my advantage,” said Shelton.
This will be the second ATP final of Shelton’s career and his first on clay. He previously faced off against Tiafoe at the US Open quarterfinals last September, where he emerged victorious.
Tennis fans are eagerly anticipating the final, as these two talented players battle it out for the prestigious US Men’s Clay Court Championship title. The match promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination on the clay courts of Houston.
Key Highlights:
- Frances Tiafoe, the defending champion, defeated Luciano Darderi in the semifinals
- Ben Shelton, the top-seed, fought back to beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry in three sets
- This will be Shelton’s second ATP final and his first on clay
- Tiafoe and Shelton previously faced off at the 2022 US Open quarterfinals, where Shelton emerged victorious
The final of the US Men’s Clay Court Championship promises to be an exciting match between two of the rising stars in men’s tennis.
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