Ben Shelton does not show any signs of delay after the biggest title of his career at the National Bank Open. Less than a week after the Triumphing in Toronto, Shelton is now in round four of the Western & Southern Open.
So far it has been an almost ideal two weeks for the sixth ranking. After a first round bye, he received a second set of pension from Camilo Ugo Carabelli on 6-3, 3-1 and then defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets. Shelton also benefited from an extra day off (his match in the fourth round should be on Wednesday) because of several rain returns.
All in all, the 22-year-old should play on a full tank of gas when he is facing Jiri Lehecka for the second time on Thursday. Their only earlier meeting came earlier this summer on the grass court of Stuttgart, where Shelton rode 6-4, 6-4.
Lehecka took his way to this Rematch by beating Tristan Boyer in three sets and Adam Walton in a few tie treakers. Those results are hardly impressive for the 26th ranked Czech, which is only 17-14 in his last 31 games since the start of the season 13-2.
If Lehecka wants to take the next step in his career as Shelton has, the 23-year-old has to start playing more like … Shelton. Lehecka still plays with just one speed; He hits it hard, and when that doesn’t work, he touches it harder. Shelton, on the other hand, has greatly improved its variety this summer – especially from the backhand side.
Unless Shelton suddenly touches physically on the wall, his winning series must continue.
Pick: Shelton in 3
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