World number one Jannik Sinner quelled the challenge of big-serving 14th seed Ben Shelton with a 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(9) victory on Sunday to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the third successive year.
Victory also meant Sinner has made at least the last eight in every tournament he has played in this year, improving his impressive win-loss record to 42-3.
He came under early pressure as Shelton, who has sent down rockets on the slick turf at the Grand Slam this year, started aggressively under the Court One roof by serving and volleying in a bid to unsettle the Australian Open champion.
Sinner was equal to the task, however, and broke the feisty American twice to comfortably pocket the opening set.
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“I’m happy with how I returned today. I think that for sure was one of the keys,” said Sinner.
“I feel that at important moments in each game, in each match, I try to put full effort. I feel like this sometimes can make the difference.
“Obviously you need courage to go for certain shots. I’m pushing myself to do that. Sometimes you can miss the shot; sometimes it’s the right decision.”
The Italian consolidated an early break in the second set with a booming ace and pulled away for a two-set advantage, as Shelton was left with another battle on his hands having been dragged the distance in each of his last three rounds.
The 21-year-old raised the hopes of fans by breezing ahead 4-1 in the third set but Sinner ran his opponent ragged with his power and precision to draw level after eight games.
Sinner then delighted the crowd that included his “Carota Boys” travelling fan group with a superb forward-facing ‘tweener half-volley before making it 5-5.
“I’m not the kind of player to have a lot of trick shots,” Sinner said. “But in this case it was still the easiest shot. I didn’t have space to go right and left. It was a lucky shot.”
He then saved a breakpoint to force a tiebreak where Shelton came from behind but squandered four set points, allowing Sinner to secure the victory.
Up next for Sinner is a meeting with fifth-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev, in what will be a rematch of their Melbourne Park title clash which went to five sets.
Medvedev won the first six of their 11 meetings before Sinner completely turned the tide but the 22-year-old said he expected a tough test.
“I still think that every match has its own story ... In Australia we had two different matches in one match. It’s going to be tough for both of us,” Sinner said.
“I practised with him earlier in the week. He was playing really good. So it’s going to be tough. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a big challenge for me.
“But this is what I practice for. Hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”
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