Over the past few weeks, the world has seen two up-and-coming tennis players square off twice on the same court: World No. 4 Jannik Sinner and World No. 15 Ben Shelton.
Shanghai showdown loss for Sinner
The two young players engaged in a thrilling showdown during Round 16 of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, which Shelton won by scores of 2-6, 6-2, and 7-6 (5) to advance to his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
Shelton extended his hand after the game to shake Sinner’s before making his exuberant motion of “hanging up the phone.”
Ben Shelton hangs up the phone on Jannik Sinner.
📞 ☎️ #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/SDoIbuOFv4
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 10, 2023
Shelton went on to win the Japan Open singles title for the first time in his ATP singles career, defeating Russian Aslan Karatsiev 7-5, 6-1 in the final in an hour and 20 minutes.
Erste Bank Open
Following Shelton’s success in the first major championship of his career, the two adversaries faced off again on the ATP Tour, this time at the Erste Bank tournament in Vienna, Austria. In a close-fought encounter, Sinner won the match 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), avenging his defeat in Shanghai.
In a post-match interview, Sinner expressed his satisfaction with his victory over Shelton, noting that the American had been a difficult opponent to overcome. He also expressed his wish for Shelton’s success in the upcoming season.
“It was a very tough match. He always serves really well, and today was obviously the same,” said Sinner, as per ATP tour. “He is confident, he is a very tough player to beat. I was looking forward to it. I lost the last matchup, so I’m happy that I won this one. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
“I wish him the best for the rest of the season, I think he will finish the season strong. I’m very happy about the performance and happy to be in the next round.”
The Tennis Later also shared this news on X, stating: “Jannik Sinner beats Ben Shelton 7-6(2) 7-5. REVENGE IN VIENNA. A few weeks ago, Ben snapped Jannik’s 7 match win streak. Today, Jannik snapped Ben’s 5 match win streak. Revenge is a dish best served by an Italian. 🇮🇹🍝”
Jannik Sinner beats Ben Shelton 7-6(2) 7-5
REVENGE IN VIENNA.
A few weeks ago, Ben snapped Jannik’s 7 match win streak.
Today, Jannik snapped Ben’s 5 match win streak.
Revenge is a dish best served by an Italian. 🇮🇹🍝 pic.twitter.com/DXyRinNCpD
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 25, 2023
Before their Shanghai showdown, Sinner also snagged a title at the China Open, defeating World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2).
Cover Photo: YouTube