The American Ben Sheltonsixth in the world, had a debut in the masters 1000 of Cincinnati more placid than expected when advancing to the third round due to the abandonment of Camilo Ugo Carabelli due to a knee injury.
Compeating only three days after winning its first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Shelton led 6-3, 3-1 after 64 minutes when the Argentine retired. “Definitely, it is not easy to play a couple of days after winning a title,” said Shelton.
Ugo Carabelli immediately touched the knee at the first point of the fourth game of the second set after a clumsy movement when entering the court. After a medical pause, he could not move freely and retired after completing Shelton's serve.
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Hours before the Castellón had also passed Roberto Bautista (number 53), which was undone in a solid match of the British Cameron Norrie (39 of the world) 6-4 and 6-3 in an hour and 51 minutes. And Shelton will be concentrated because the Spanish player will be his next rival in Cincinnati for a place in the round of 16.
Twice they have faced two victories for the recent winner of Canada's 1000 Masters, both in Grand Slam matches in 2024. Shelton won 6-2, 7-6 and 7-5 in the first round of the Australian Open and in the second round of the Open USA 6-3, 6-4 and 6-4.
Bautista again exhibits that fluid and resilient tennis that characterizes him and comes from breaking a streak with Norrie who won for the first time after five duels.
