.United States ping pong followers, acquire your popcorn ready.It will be actually Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe in the U.S. Open 3rd round on Friday-- likely a night-session face-off in Arthur Ashe Coliseum. It is going to additionally be actually a rematch of in 2013's quarterfinals, won by Shelton 6-2, 3-6, 7-6( 7 ), 6-2. Neither Shelton nor Tiafoe possessed a lot difficulty putting together the rematch. Shelton performed certainly not go down a set while kicking out Dominic Thiem and also Roberto Bautista Agut earlier in the full week. Tiafoe made it through a four-setter versus Aleksandar Kovacevic and then gained from a third-set retired life by Alexander Shevchenko on Wednesday (the world No. 20 led 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 when it finished).
The result is yet another chapter in this particular friendly rivalry.
" I absolutely desire to bet him," Tiafoe commented just before Shelton rounded off Bautista Agut. "Obviously he's quite like me in how thrilled and also lively he gets on the court as well as has such a significant video game and big shots and offers major and also obtains the group going. He is actually 21 years old. He's young, funny, fractures jokes-- just about as premature as I am. Our experts consistently have fun joking around and cracking jokes, for certain.".
Of course, friendship will certainly be alloted for this hit battle. Tiafoe does not intend to fall back 3-0 in the neck and neck set against his much younger compatriot (he likewise shed to Shelton in the Houston last this springtime). Shelton, already approximately No. thirteen in the rankings, has semifinal suggest defend as he tries to proceed his push for the top 10.
" I am actually actually awaiting it," Shelton stated. "Our experts had a fantastic battle in the quarters last year and also I am sure it will definitely be yet another snacks suit." Ricky adds to 10sballs. com and also preserves his own tennis internet site, The Grandstand. You can easily follow him on Twitter at @Dimonator.