Ben Shelton battled past Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 7-6 (7-5) after 2 hours and 43 minutes to reach the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Shelton earned four break points in the second game of the first set, but Cerundolo saved them after four deuces. Shelton converted his second break point in the sixth game with a volley, but he was not able to serve out the set at 5-3 and Cerundolo broke back before holding serve in the 10th game to draw level to 5-5. Shelton earned four set points at 6-5, but Cerundolo saved them to force the set to the tie-break.
Shelton earned three set points at 6-3 in the tie-break, but he was not able to convert on his first two opportunities. The US player sealed the tie-break 7-5 on his seventh set point.
The second set went on serve until the eighth game when Cerundolo broke serve at 15 to take a 5-3 lead. The Argentine player served it out on his second set point to win the second set 6-3 forcing the match to the decider.
Both players went on serve without facing any break points en route to the tie-break. Both players traded mini-breaks on the third and fourth points in the tie-break. Shelton hit two unreturned serves to take a 5-4 lead, but Cerundolo hit a huge forehand to draw level to 5-5. Shelton earned a match point at 6-5 with his second mini-break after Cerundolo made an unforced error with his forehand inside-out. Shelton sealed the win when Cerundolo netted a backhand return.
“It was a definitely crazy match tonight. I heard the curfew was early here in Palm Springs, but you guys showed out tonight, so thanks everyone for staying, I know me and Francisco really appreciate it. A lot of help from my box over there kept me calm after losing the second set. It definitely took a lot out of me tonight. It’s just one of those atmospheres you love playing in. There is people screaming for me. There is people screaming for Francisco. It’s all love guys. I know you guys were screaming at me, but hopefully we can still be friends”, said Shelton.
Shelton set up a fourth round match against this year’s Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner. They are 1-1 in their two head-to-head matches in 2023. Shelton beat Sinner in the tie-break of the third set 2-6 6-3 7-6 (7-5) in Shanghai last October. Sinner avenged this defeat by beating Shelton in straight sets by the scoreline of 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 in Vienna.
