It was the Battle of Tennis‘s 20-year-olds when American Ben Shelton faced Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in their young careers in Toronto on Wednesday evening.
The Hype Is Real! 🔥@carlosalcaraz @BenShelton #nbo23 pic.twitter.com/WDIH3aUwaS
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 9, 2023
It was Alcaraz’s first match since the Wimbledon final last month.
🎾CARLOS. GANA.🎾
🇪🇸Carlos Alcaraz wins his first match since the Wimbledon final.
He defeats 🇺🇸Ben Shelton in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 to advance to the @NBOtoronto Round of 16.
The crowd loves Carlitos. #NBO23 pic.twitter.com/XGDNZ4bTyJ
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) August 10, 2023
Alcaraz came out as the victor, but the 6-3, 7-6 score did not tell the whole story.
Carlitos with the W 😤@carlosalcaraz defeats Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6 on his Toronto debut! @NBOtoronto | #NBO23 pic.twitter.com/Qgvkr0MEFp
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 10, 2023
Shelton had a sound game plan, using his big serve and power shots to keep Alcaraz off balance.
Alcaraz’s first serve was not as ironclad as usual, and he was not as clean on the forehand either.
He found a way to win without his best tennis on his racquet.
Shelton has to be encouraged by his performance; his play did not allow Alcaraz to get settled into a rhythm.
What a shot 🔥@BenShelton | @NBOtoronto | #NBO23 pic.twitter.com/la0iqbNzjP
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 10, 2023
And his serve was a force to be reckoned with also.
Ben Shelton ☄️🇺🇸#NBO23 pic.twitter.com/ggfehw4SWJ
— عشاق التنس Arab Tennis (@ArabTennis20) August 10, 2023
Alcaraz has to feel relieved to get some of the rust off and defeat a dangerous player like Shelton.
It appears that these two will have many more heated contests in the years to come.
Historically, Wimbledon champions struggle in this tournament, making the turn from grass to hardcourt after a layoff to rest from the win.
The Big 3 have followed up Wimbledon wins with a Canada victory one time each in their careers.
Roger Federer did it in 2006, Rafael Nadal did it in 2008, and Novak Djokovic did it in 2011.
Tennis Betting Guides 2024
- Tennis Betting Guide – Discover Best Tennis Betting Sites in USA Ranked & Reviewed.
- The Latest Tennis Odds – Compare the Best Tennis Betting Odds.
- Free Tennis Picks – Check Expert Tennis Betting Picks & Predictions.
- Best Offshore Betting Sites – Compare Top Offshore Online Betting Sites.
- Best Bitcoin Betting Sites – Top-rated Bitcoin Sportsbooks in USA Ranked & Reviewed.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
