.American ping pong fans, obtain your popcorn ready.It will certainly be actually Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe in the U.S. Open third round on Friday-- likely a night-session showdown in Arthur Ashe Arena. It will additionally be actually a rematch of last year's quarterfinals, gained through Shelton 6-2, 3-6, 7-6( 7 ), 6-2. Neither Shelton neither Tiafoe had much issue putting together the rematch. Shelton carried out certainly not lose a collection while ousting Dominic Thiem as well as Roberto Bautista Agut previously in the full week. Tiafoe survived a four-setter versus Aleksandar Kovacevic and then profited from a third-set retirement life through Alexander Shevchenko on Wednesday (the planet No. 20 led 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 when it ended).
The result is actually yet another chapter in this friendly rivalry.
" I most definitely want to bet him," Tiafoe commented prior to Shelton rounded off Bautista Agut. "Definitely he is actually significantly like me in exactly how excited as well as energised he gets on the court as well as possesses such a large video game as well as big shots as well as provides major as well as obtains the group going. He is actually 21 years old. He is actually young, hilarious, splits laughs-- pretty much as immature as I am actually. We consistently have fun poking fun around as well as fracturing jokes, for sure.".
Naturally, friendly relationship will be actually reserved for this blockbuster battle. Tiafoe doesn't wish to fall behind 3-0 in the neck and neck series versus his more youthful national (he likewise shed to Shelton in the Houston last this springtime). Shelton, already as much as No. 13 in the ranks, has semifinal points to safeguard as he attempts to proceed his push for the top 10.
" I am really eagerly anticipating it," Shelton mentioned. "Our experts had a great struggle in the fourths in 2014 and also I make sure it will be actually another snacks match." Ricky adds to 10sballs. com and also maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You can follow him on Twitter at @Dimonator.