Shelton outlasts Tiafoe to win clay court title

HOUSTON — Ben Shelton captured his second profession ATP Tour title, outlasting defending champion Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 on Sunday to win the U.S. Males’s Clay Court docket Championship.

Shelton, 21, had 11 aces on the way in which to changing into the youngest participant to win this occasion since Andy Roddick did it at 19 years outdated in 2002.

Shelton has had his points on clay courts. He was 2-7 in his profession on the slower floor and had misplaced his earlier 5 clay-court matches earlier than beginning match play this week.

However Shelton survived three three-set matches to take the title, his first since profitable in Tokyo this previous October.

The previous Florida Gators standout received 83% of his first-serve factors, in response to Infosys ATP Stats, to triumph after 2 hours, 16 minutes.

He and Tiafoe are buddies who had joking and type phrases for each other after the match.

“I do know this one stings,” Shelton stated. “Sorry you did not go back-to-back titles, however you are that sort of participant who can go back-to-back. I wish to see you do it once more this 12 months.”

Tiafoe stated it was nice taking part in in a ultimate after a troublesome begin to the 12 months.

“It might have been cool to get quantity 4,” he stated. “We’ll get that quickly sufficient. Let’s actually construct on this and let’s have a superb ’24.”

Shelton is anticipated to rise to No. 14 in subsequent week’s rankings.