Did Ben Shelton’s performance falter against Learner Tien?
Yes, Ben Shelton was upset by Learner Tien in a three-set match at Indian Wells, raising questions about his current form and fitness. Tien won the match with scores of 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3, advancing to the fourth round for the first time in his career.
This match was particularly notable as Shelton, ranked No. 8 in the world, struggled with apparent illness during the contest. Despite taking the second set, he could not maintain his physical intensity in the third, where Tien secured the decisive break at 3-2.
The match opened with a tightly contested first set that went to a tiebreak, showcasing both players’ skills. Tien’s victory is significant as he has now won six of his 11 career matches against top-five opponents, indicating his potential to rise in the rankings.
Interestingly, Tien recorded 10 double faults during the match, which could have impacted his performance. The match featured only two service breaks, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.
In an effort to regain control, Shelton attempted to shorten points by hitting groundstrokes harder and utilizing drop shots, hitting five times more drop shots than his seasonal average. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results.
After the match, Tien remarked, “Even when he is not at his best, his serve is still incredible,” acknowledging Shelton’s talent despite the defeat. Tien also noted the nerves he experienced, stating, “Nerves definitely played a role and I feel like I was missing some shots that maybe I usually wouldn’t.””>
Looking ahead, Tien’s victory sets up a third-round encounter against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, while Shelton will need to reassess his approach as he continues to pursue the No. 1 men’s ranking among American players.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Shelton’s health and how it may affect his upcoming matches.
