With the victory of Alexander Zverev over Tallon Griekspoor in the last match of todays schedule, the draw of the Shanghai Masters 1000 has finally lined up for the round of 16 after the rain of recent days. Among the most anticipated matches tomorrow is definitely the clash between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton. The two young champions have already faced each other twice this year, respectively at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 and the Wimbledon Championships, with two wins for the Italian ace.
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The American champion has a happy memory linked to the tournament in Shanghai, since last year he defeated Jannik after losing the first by playing an exceptional tennis in the second part of the match. This surface fits very well into Bens style of play, which will have to serve with very high percentages and limit the number of unforced errors in order to have a chance against the world number 1.
After beating Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round, Sinner admitted he felt a bit tired but had two days off due to the rain. The two-time Grand Slam champion - who suffered just six losses in the entire season - starts definitely favorite according to bookmakers, but will have to avoid losing concentration against a very dangerous player.
Shelton is ready
Shelton will be able to play without much pressure against a player who has been almost unbeatable this year. Sinner has lost three times to Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo, Daniil Medvedev at Wimbledon and Andrey Rublev in Montreal. The only win of the four matches that Ben Shelton managed to bring to his side against Jannik Sinner was at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai in 2023.
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One year after that success, after the three consecutive wins by the Italian between Vienna and Wimbledon, the two will meet again in the same tournament. The American has passed Spaniard Roberto CarballesBaena with the score of 6-3, 6-4and recalled, in a press conference, just the triumph to the detriment of Sinner 2023.
"I think I served very well, it was probably the best day of the year at the service for me. I did a good job of taking advantage of the important moments and getting the break when I had to. If I can serve with the same precision as today and have a break on set, I know I can be in a great position. I like the way my game is taking shape. I was very strong in the highlights," said Shelton.
"Sinner? Im really excited. Lately I tend not to look at the scoreboard. Now I have looked, but before going out I did not know who I could meet. Facing one of the two or three best players in the world is always a great opportunity. He is thecurrently number one and has won two Slam, so it will be a great challenge. I have great memories of last years victory here against him. I must have watched some clips a few times this year. Cant wait, itll be fun".
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What a clash
If he wants to repeat last years feat, the young American will have to hope for a negative performance of the 23-year-old from San Candido. Jannik has not particularly shone in Shanghai until this moment and lost a set against Etcheverry, but he has an incredible mental strength and knows how to win even without expressing his best tennis.
The world number 1 has had the ability to win titles and collect records despite the doping case trial that has affected him in recent months. "Perhaps as a person I have grown more than as a player. Obviously, when youre young and 20-22 years old, every year feels like a big step forward he explained in a recent interview.
Much has changed in the past year, so I feel like I did a great process. Also, my mindset is not changing because of success, nor how I behave with people, so thats very positive. I have good people around me, I have family who know me, who support me every day, that means a lot to me. I feel in a good place, hope that next year if you ask me the same question I can tell you something similar" Sinner added.
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The doping case is still open after WADA decided to appeal the acquittal ruling by ITIA before the start of the US Open. WADA has asked for a disqualification for the Italian ace from 1 to 2 years for negligence. The final verdict of TAS will arrive in early 2025.
