(Video) Ben Shelton’s ‘Scary’ and ‘Nastiest’ Serve Hits Spectator and Leaves Her Completely Stunned

World No.8 Ben Shelton has scheduled a quarterfinal clash with World No.11 Frances Tiafoe at the Citi Open.

(Video) Ben Shelton’s ‘Scary’ and ‘Nastiest’ Serve Hits Spectator and Leaves Her Completely Stunned

Ben Shelton's ace hit a spectator (Image via X/The Tennis Letter, Tennis TV)

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Ben Shelton is inching closer to his first title of the season. On Thursday (June 24), he breezed past Canadian ace Gabriel Diallo 6-3, 6-2 to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the Citi Open.

One incident from the match has made headlines. Shelton led 5-3 in the first set and served. But seconds before that, chair umpire Jimmy Pinoargote urged the spectators to remain focused because of the speed of the balls.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re sitting in the first row, when the players are serving, please pay attention. The ball is coming really fast.

Jimmy Pinoargote said

The next moment, Shelton hit an ace, and the ball bounced off the court to hit a spectator. She looked utterly stunned at the speed at which the ball flew toward her.

Shelton did not waste his time apologizing, “Sorry. Are you okay? My bad.” Later, he took to his Instagram story and shared the clip of the incident with the caption: “Scary that almost nailed someone… nastiest serve I hit fr“.

Ben Shelton's Instagram story
Ben Shelton’s Instagram story

Shelton has never reached the final of his home tournament. He has so far reached four finals and lifted two titles in his career.

This year, he has progressed to just one final: at the Munich Open, which he ended up losing to World No.3 Alexander Zverev. In the Grand Slam events this year, Shelton produced his best when he advanced to the semifinal of the Australian Open, losing the match in straight sets to World No.1 Jannik Sinner, who also defeated him in the Wimbledon quarterfinal.

Ben Shelton will next play Frances Tiafoe

Ben Shelton‘s quarterfinal opponent is none other than compatriot Frances Tiafoe. The World No.11 scheduled the match against Shelton after knocking out ninth seed Flavio Cobolli.

Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton (Image via X/Jose Morgado)

I’m excited. We’re great friends. We played an incredible match at the Open last year. I think that’s the best we actually both played. He got me the first couple of times.

Frances Tiafoe said during his on-court interview

The 27-year-old has locked horns with Shelton thrice, winning only one match. Shelton had secured the win when they met in the 2023 US Open quarterfinals and in the final of the 2024 US Men’s Clay Court Championships. Tiafoe won their last encounter in the third round of the 2024 US Open.

He’s a great player, a great friend of mine. Laver Cups, Davis Cups. We talk to each other outside of the game, and we hang out outside of the game. I love that dude, but tomorrow obviously there’s no friends. We’re going to try to cut each other’s heads off, and the crowd’s going to love it. I’m going to love the competition, and I hope to get over the line.

Frances Tiafoe added

Shelton and Tiafoe also played doubles in the event but were defeated in their opening round. Like Shleton, Tiafoe is searching for his first title of the season. He reached the final of the US Men’s Clay Court Championships this season but ended up losing the match to Jenson Brooksby.

The World No.11 hasn’t yet won a title since the 2023 Stuttgart Open. Since that win, he has so far reached three finals, losing all. Shelton is chasing his first title since winning the trophy in Houston last year. Tiafoe, too, has not yet won the Citi Open.

After the Citi Open, both players will be gearing up for the Canadian Open, which starts on July 27. Last year, the World No.8 lost his second match to eventual winner Alexei Popyrin. Tiafoe lost in his opening round.

The winner of the quarterfinal match will meet either World No.4 Taylor Fritz or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semifinals. Fritz is chasing his third title of the season (both the titles he lifted on grass).

Also read: Martina Navratilova Doffs Her Hat to Venus Williams for Silencing Critics at the Washington Open