Ben Shelton, the rising American tennis star, is making waves at the Australian Open, but he's quick to downplay his early success. Despite not dropping a set in his first three rounds, Shelton's performance has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing powerful shots and a confident demeanor on the court.
The 23-year-old, ranked eighth, secured his spot in the last 16 with a dominant 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over Valentin Vacherot from Monaco. This marks his third consecutive appearance in the Australian Open's round of 16, building on his semifinal finish in 2025. Shelton's current form is a stark contrast to his previous best at a Slam, which occurred before an injury at the US Open last summer.
"I think this is probably second to my best performance at a Slam," Shelton admitted, highlighting his current confidence and flow state on the court. He praised his improved serving, noting enhanced control over forehand and backhand techniques, including slicing and topspin.
Shelton's journey to the fourth round is shared by a trio of players, including Darderi and Sinner, who will face off in the next round. Darderi, born in Argentina and raised in Italy, expressed his excitement about the upcoming match, despite never having faced his highly decorated compatriot.
Darderi's progress on hard courts, guided by his father and coach, Luciano, has been remarkable. He ended last season within the top 30 for the first time, showcasing his clay-court prowess with titles in Marrakech, Bastad, and Umag. The 23-year-old's dedication to hard-court training, including his second full pre-season on this surface, has been instrumental in his rise.
