Shelton Powers Past Karatsev For First ATP Title In Tokyo, Will Make Top 15 Debut
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Ben Shelton took home the first of what will likely be many titles winning the Tokyo trophy over Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1.
“That meant a lot to me and my team,” Shelton said to the ATP. “We have been working really hard since the beginning to build my game and win titles on the ATP Tour. I made some deep runs lately. You see the great champions, they finish weeks off. They win titles, they don’t just get to finals. They are able to maintain their level throughout the week. I am not saying I am anywhere there yet, but to be able to do it for one week, put together five matches in a row in Tokyo is really special.”
The 21-year-old Shelton only had three aces but lost just 11 points on serve, never was broken winning nine of the last 10 games.
En route, Shelton defeated countryman Tommy Paul in the quarters and then qualifier Marcos Giron in the semifinals.
Since the start of the US Open, Shelton has ran off 14 wins in his last 16 matches. And today’s total will move him into the Top 15 for the first time — he began the US Open ranked No. 47. He has an outside chance of making the final eight in Turin.
“I am really looking forward to this tail-end stretch of the year,” he said. “I think it is a great opportunity for me. Earlier in the season I was losing early in weeks, so my match count is not that high, so I am feeling fresh. I am looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
Shelton and his father, Bryan, become just the fourth father-son duo to win ATP titles. The others were: Ramanathan and Ramesh Krishnan, Phil and Taylor Dent, and Petr and Sebastian Korda.
Karatsev was seeking his 4th career title, first title since 22 Sydney (d Murray).
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