Former Florida tennis star Ben Shelton was already eyeing a big week in Paris at the final 1,000-point Masters of the season, but his path to a deep run just got a bit easier following World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from the event.
Shelton cleared the first hurdle Tuesday afternoon with a 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-3 victory over French qualifier Corentin Moutet less than 48 hours after coming up short in the finals of the Swiss Indoors.
Defeating Moutet in front of his home crowd was no easy task, especially after dropping a second-set tiebreak. In typical Shelton fashion, he leaned on his big serve and youthful endurance to take the Round of 64 match. Shelton won 78 percent of his first serves (56 of 72) and saved both break points he faced. He sent 36 winners across the net, including two aces.
Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal clears path
Shelton entered the tournament expecting to face Sinner in the Round of 32, but the World No. 1 withdrew from the Paris Masters earlier this morning, clearing the way for the former Gator.
Instead of facing the best tennis player in the world, Shelton will face lucky loser and World No. 85 Arthur Cazaux on Wednesday. The match is scheduled on central court not before 3:30 p.m. ET, but it could end up being played much later in the day, as it is the fifth match of the day on that court.
Advancing through the Round of 32 would set up a potential match between Shelton and 13th-ranked Holger Rune, who faces No. 33 Alexander Bublik tomorrow.
Three of the four players ranked immediately ahead of Shelton — who is currently No. 19 in the world — have already lost at the Paris Masters. A run to the semifinals would likely move him to No. 16 or higher, but that requires Shelton to win at least four games on tired legs.
Stay tuned throughout the week as Gators Wire tracks Shelton’s quest to finish the 2024 calendar on a hot streak.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Ben Shelton eyes big week in Paris following Sinner withdrawal, advances to second round
