Jannik Sinner claims Ben Shelton will become ‘very difficult’ to beat in coming years following their close clash in Vienna

Jannik Sinner praised Ben Shelton after defeating him in a close clash at the Vienna Open.

Jannik Sinner claims Ben Shelton will become ‘very difficult’ to beat in coming years following their close clash in Vienna

Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton (Credits: NBC Sports/Olympics.com)

Italian Jannik Sinner defeated American Ben Shelton in the round of 32 clash at the Vienna Open in Austria. It was a challenging and close battle between the two youngsters.

Sinner overcame the US Open semi-finalist, Ben Shelton 7-6(2), 7-5, and hit around 28 winners to seal the deal against the hard-hitting and powerful American. Talking about their intense clash, he praised Shelton and went on to say in an interview with the Vienna Press:

He has done very well in the last few months & this time was the same, just as I expected. As I said before the match, he’s a player who comes with a lot of confidence.
Sinner via Vienna Press
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The exciting clash that lasted for 1 hour and 44 minutes proved to be a comeback match for Jannik Sinner as the Italian avenged his loss against the American in the 4th round of the Shanghai Open just weeks ago. Sinner played well to receive the American’s powerful serve and went on to emerge victorious in an intense battle.

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Talking about Ben Shelton’s performance in recent times, Jannik Sinner further added:

He will become a very difficult player to beat. I think this has already been demonstrated in his last tournaments, also in our rivalry.

Jannik Sinner sheds light on a possible future rivalry with Ben Shelton

The Italian, Jannik Sinner, mentioned how he is only looking at the short-term objectives and not thinking about the long run. On asked about what he feels about a rivalry with Ben Shelton in the future, he stated:

A rivalry with Shelton in the years to come? We have to move forward a little at a time. This time I managed to win the match, we'll see what happens in the next one.
Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner ( Credits: CBC)

Sinner also congratulated Shelton on his recent achievements and wished him all the best for his future matches. He added:

I wish him all the best for the rest of the season. I believe he can finish the year in a very positive way.

Sinner has already secured direct qualification for the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals for the first time. He will now be taking on seventh seed Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals of Vienna Open on Friday. Sinner defeated fellow compatriot Lorenzo Sonego in the round of 16 yesterday.

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