At the Australian Open earlier this season, fellow Americans and Miami doubles partners Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton went head-to-head in the quarterfinals. Seven months later, they will square off for a second time for a spot in the quarterfinals of the year’s second hard-court major–the U.S. Open.
It’s the marquee matchup–especially for American tennis fans–of Sunday’s fourth-round lineup at Flushing Meadows. And it should be a good one, just like their showdown at Melbourne Park. Paul won that encounter 7-6(6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 for his first-ever Grand Slam semifinal berth.
Paul’s rise has only continued since leaving the land Down Under, to the extent that if he isn’t the favorite to reach another slam semifinal out of his section of the U.S. Open draw he at least has a great chance. The 26-year-old has climbed to 14th in the rankings also on the strength of runner-up performances in Acapulco and Eastbourne in addition to a semifinal run in Toronto–where he upset Carlos Alcaraz. So far this fortnight Paul has defeated Stefano Travaglia, Roman Safiullin (from two sets down), and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Six years Paul’s junior and really just beginning his professional career, Shelton has understandably been much more inconsistent than his compatriot in 2023. In fact, his record for the season stands at just 15-20. However, the former University of Florida star absolutely loves the big stage so it’s no surprise to see him thriving at another slam–this one at home. Shelton has capitalized on favorable draw by beating Pedro Cachin, Dominic Thiem (via second-set retirement), and Aslan Karatsev.
“I’m happy to see him doing well this week,” Paul said. “(It) should be a fun match. I think everyone is excited about both of us right now. I’m exciting for that matchup.
“Overall we have very different games. He’s a serve and first ball guy. He does it really well. He volleys pretty well. But for me, I’m gonna try and make it a little bit longer than serve and first ball. That’s my whole goal in the match. He brings a lot of energy; I kind of like to keep it mellow. We’re not too similar on the court. (It) should be a pretty fun matchup.”
Shelton agrees.
“He’s a guy who has every shot in the book–a great athlete, great mover, amazing defensive skills, but can also play offense,” the world No. 47 said of Paul. “I think that he’s a really savvy tennis player; he uses his brain a lot on court to beat his opponent. (I’m) little bit more of a bigger-ball hitter or server. He places the serve; spins it more…. I think the way we go about things is a little bit different.”
Which style will have the upper hand on Sunday?
Conditions have not been playing particularly fast and for the most part during the first week more solid players have been getting the best of more powerful, flashier opponents. Shelton will probably be able to blast his way to a set and he may even win the match if serves as well as he did against Karatsev, but in all likelihood Paul will sink his teeth into enough baseline rallies to emerge victorious in another competitive contest.
Pick: Paul in 4
There’s just a crtain “buzz” around Shelton this week…as Muddy waters might say, “he’s got his Mojo workin”!!!! Shelton in 4.
WWW?
Paul is trash