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Shelton Defeats Opelka in Tokyo
Reilly Opelka v. Ben Shelton
Reilly Opelka faced off against Ben Shelton in a thrilling first-round match at the 2024 ATP Tokyo tournament on September 26. The encounter showcased some captivating tennis, full of momentum swings and break points, with Shelton eventually emerging as the victor after three intense sets (3-6, 6-1, 6-4).
The match began with Opelka seizing control, exploiting his towering serve and powerful groundstrokes to take the first set 6-3. Opelka managed to secure numerous break points in the first frame, capitalizing on Shelton's second serve. Shelton struggled initially, losing his serve multiple times, but showed resilience in the subsequent sets.
Shelton rebounded impressively in the second set. Displaying remarkable agility and precision, he broke Opelka's serve early and never looked back, racing to a commanding 6-1 set win. Shelton's serve became a potent weapon, unleashing several aces and unreturnable serves that left Opelka scrambling. The momentum shift was evident as Shelton dramatically improved his first-serve percentage and minimized unforced errors.
In the deciding set, both players displayed exceptional tennis, but Shelton maintained the upper hand. He broke Opelka's serve at crucial junctures, taking advantage of lapses in Opelka's game. Despite Opelka's efforts to cling to his own service games, Shelton's consistency and excellent shot selection helped him close out the match 6-4 in the final set.
Statistically, Shelton's resilience under pressure was key. He saved multiple break points throughout the match and improved his win percentage on the second serve significantly after the first set. Opelka's 4-serve winners from the first set dwindled as Shelton adapted his return game.
Overall, the match illustrated a textbook example of tactical adjustments and mental fortitude. Shelton's ability to turn the tide after a shaky start demonstrates his growing maturity and promise on the ATP tour. This win propels Shelton to the next round, where he will undoubtedly continue to build on this performance.
