In a surprising turn of events, Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria defeated Ben Shelton at the Cincinnati Open, ending the American’s hopes for consecutive deep runs in Masters 1000 tournaments.
Faria capitalized on Shelton’s slow start, as the American was playing his first match since clinching the Masters 1000 title in Montreal last week, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
This win marks a significant milestone for Faria, being his first victory against a Top 10 player, while also halting Shelton’s impressive six-match winning streak.
Despite trailing 1-4 in the second set, Faria rallied to win five consecutive games, ultimately sealing the match. Shelton had multiple opportunities to break back but managed to convert only 1 out of 12 break points against Faria, as per ATP statistics.
“This is an incredibly emotional moment for me and my team. Competing here in front of such an amazing crowd, especially against a local player at night in this fantastic venue, makes it even more special,” Faria expressed.
Looking ahead, Faria will face Australia’s Adam Walton in the third round, who won his second-round match against Ignacio Buse with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Earlier in the day, sixth seed Taylor Fritz advanced past fellow American Alex Michelsen, winning 6-3, 6-4 in his opening match.
Fritz is set to meet Daniel Merida Aguilar in the third round after the Spaniard’s victory over Zizou Bergs, finishing 6-3, 6-2.
World No. 12 Learner Tien also began his Cincinnati campaign successfully, continuing his momentum from a semi-final finish in Montreal last week. Tien secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) win against Sebastian Baez, setting up a third-round clash with Frances Tiafoe, who defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-4 in the final match of the day on Sunday.