Ben Shelton overcomes Wimbledon rain delays and Denis Shapovalov in marathon five-setter to reach 2nd week for the first time at SW19

Ben Shelton came through Denis Shapovalov in a marathon five-setter on Saturday, booking his place in the fourth round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. This is the first time the American has reached the second week at SW19 in only his second appearance at the tournament.

Shelton and Shapovalov were locked in battle in the opening set yesterday when their match was interrupted by rain. It was shifted to Court No. 1 for today, as the Canadian came back to take the set in the tiebreaker 7-6(4) despite another mini rain interruption.

The second and third sets went Shelton's way, 6-2, 6-4, as he stepped up his game with an attacking display of tennis. Just when it looked like it would be over in four sets, Shapovalov turned the tide with a late break of serve to snatch the set 6-4 and force a decider.

With all to play for in the final set, Ben Shelton's impressive serve-and-volley, combined with some defensive excellence, helped him get over the finish line. He took the the set 6-2, and with it the match, after nearly three hours of play over two days. In his previous appearance at Wimbledon, the American had lost in the second set.

The 21-year-old has now played 15 sets in three matches at the Grass Major, with all of his matches going the distance. Before beating Shapovalov, he downed Mattia Bellucci and Lloyd Harris.

Ben Shelton to next take on Jannik Sinner in WImbledon fourth round

Day Six: The Championships - Wimbledon 2024

Following his win over Denis Shapovalov, Ben Shelton will next take on World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the fourth round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Sinner, unlike Shelton, came through his third round in straight sets, beating Miomir Kecmanovic. Before that, the reigning Australian Open champion beat Yannick Hanfmann and Matteo Berrettini, with both matches going to four sets.

The duo have played thrice on tour so far, with the Italian leading 2-1. He has also won their last two encounters, both in straight sets. However, this will be their first meeting on grass as well as their first meeting at a Grand Slam.

The winner of the clash will take on either Grigor Dimitrov or one of Jan-Lennard Struff and Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals. While this is Shelton's first second-week appearance at Wimbledon, Sinner is a former semifinalist at the tournament, reaching the last four last year.