“Shelton is just an American Kyrgios, he trash”- Ben Shelton sinks the American ship at Mexican Open, pushing Casper Ruud into the semifinals as fans rage on social media

The American youngster was looking for his third semi-final qualification of the season before the Norwegian got the better of him.

“Shelton is just an American Kyrgios, he trash”- Ben Shelton sinks the American ship at Mexican Open, pushing Casper Ruud into the semifinals as fans rage on social media

Ben Shelton (Image via IMAGO)

World No. 17 Ben Shelton‘s run at the 2024 Acapulco Open came to an end in the quarterfinals. Up against World No. 11 Casper Ruud in a big clash at the ATP-500 event, it was the Norwegian who prevailed. Ruud won the match 6-7 (9), 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the semis. 

Shelton was the last American left in the draw, but the Southpaw couldn’t move ahead. He had a testing run in Acapulco this week, as all of his matches were decided in the third set. He started his campaign against British veteran Dan Evans and defeated him 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(5). 

YouTube video

In the second round, Matteo Arnaldi was Shelton’s opponent but the American got the better of him with a 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-3 victory. Looking for his third semi-final appearance of the season, Shelton was stopped in his tracks by Ruud.

The two-time French Open runner-up has found his form and is rapidly moving to break into the Top 10 again. Fresh from a runner-up finish in Las Cabos last week, he’s looking to leave Mexico with a winner’s trophy. In the two-hour and 34-minute clash, Ruud didn’t concede a single breakpoint opportunity.

It was a serving masterclass by the former World No. 2, and Shelton had no answer. The feat was special given that Shelton also earned a reputation as a big server owing to his rapid serves, which breached the 200 km/hr mark easily. 

Fans fume at Ben Shelton for another empty-handed return

Shelton has been massively hyped, especially after his 2023 US Open run. He defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe to reach the semis at Flushing Meadows. He then played against Novak Djokovic, and despite putting on a show, he couldn’t overpower the Serb, who eventually won the Major title. 

Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton (Image via The Telegraph)

The match was controversial as Djokovic silenced all his critics by doing Shelton’s ‘hanging up the telephone’ celebration. The American had taunted Nole enough and had it coming from the Djoker, who’s never the one to back out of a fight. 

The 21-year-old, however, would go on to win the ATP-500 Japan Open title in October. But that’s been the only title for the youngster on the Tour. With two semi-final appearances so far this season, he remains without a title this season. 

Fans were disappointed with him for not living up to the hype. With Ruud not in his usual best form, it was a good chance for Shelton to continue his run. Angry fans took to social media to criticize the American following his defeat.

Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:

Shelton will now have a few days to prepare for the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. As for Ruud, he will take on Danish young gun Holger Rune in the semis. Rune reaches the last four following his 7-6(2), 7-6(0) win over Dominik Koepfer in the quarterfinals. Ruud leads the head-to-head 5-1 against Rune. 

In case you missed it: