KEY POINT
- Ben Shelton forced a deciding set against Casper Ruud after capturing the second set, six-four, in a momentum-shifting battle.
- World No. one Iga Swiatek dispatched Ajla Inglis with minimal difficulty, reinforcing her status as a tournament favorite.
- Jannik Sinner advanced with a straight-sets win over Luciano Darderi, continuing his consistent early round form.
Ben Shelton clawed his way back to level his match against Casper Ruud, while Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner moved into the next round with composed victories at a.
Grand Slam tournament on Tuesday, underscoring the depth and volatility of the men’s and women’s draws midway through the opening week.
The day’s play offered a study in contrasts, with Shelton v Ruud delivering late drama and physical intensity, while Swiatek and Sinner progressed with measured efficiency.
The results mattered not only for the immediate bracket implications but also for how they reshaped expectations in a tournament where several top seeds have already faced early pressure.
Shelton, the twenty three year old American known for his explosive left handed serve, entered the match seeking a breakthrough win against Ruud, a former Grand Slam finalist whose clay court pedigree often masks his growing all surface resilience.
Their encounter unfolded as a tactical tug of war, with Shelton leaning on net approaches and Ruud grinding from the baseline.
On the women’s side, Swiatek arrived as the top-ranked player in the world, carrying recent major titles and a reputation for ruthless efficiency in early rounds.
Inglis, an Australian wild card, had enjoyed crowd support but faced a steep challenge against the sport’s most consistent performer.
Sinner, meanwhile, continued his steady ascent among the elite.
The Italian’s matchup with fellow countryman Darderi offered familiarity but little margin for error, particularly given Sinner’s recent run of deep finishes at major events.
Match Developments
In Shelton v Ruud, the second set proved decisive. Shelton absorbed pressure at thirty-all in several key games, forcing Ruud into uncharacteristic errors.
A framed forehand on set point sealed the set for Shelton, six-four, leveling the match at one set apiece and injecting fresh tension into a contest that had lacked earlier epics.
Swiatek swatted aside Inglis in a display of controlled aggression, breaking serve early and maintaining depth and pace throughout.
Sinner defeated Darderi by dictating play from the back of the court, neutralizing his opponent’s serve and minimizing unforced errors.
Patrick McEnroe, a former US Davis Cup captain and ESPN analyst, said Shelton’s willingness to move forward marked a tactical evolution.
“Shelton is learning when to shorten points,” McEnroe said. “Against a defender like Ruud, that patience and timing can change the match.”
Rennae Stubbs, a former Grand Slam doubles champion and current analyst, highlighted Swiatek’s mental discipline.
“What separates Swiatek is her ability to reset every game,” Stubbs said. “Even against an inspired opponent, she does not let the scoreboard rush her.”
Former Italian player Paolo Bertolucci noted Sinner’s maturity. “Sinner manages risk better now,” Bertolucci said. “Matches like this show how far his decision-making has come.”
| Converted | Unforced Errors | Time on Court | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelton | 4/10 | 32 | 2 hours, 18 minutes |
| Ruud | 3/9 | 26 | 2 hours, 18 minutes |
| Swiatek | 5/7 | 12 | 1 hour, 5 minutes |
| Sinner | 4/8 | 15 | 1 hour, 40 minutes |
Bryan Shelton, Ben Shelton’s father and coach, emphasized composure during the turning points. “Patience was the message,” Bryan Shelton said courtside.
“The match was there if he trusted the process.”
Swiatek said she focused on execution rather than scorelines. “Early rounds are about rhythm,” Swiatek said.
“I wanted to keep my margins and stay solid.”
Sinner credited preparation. “I knew what to expect,” he said. “Against players you know well, details matter.”
Shelton v Ruud now heads toward a decisive phase that will test endurance and nerve. Swiatek’s next opponent is expected to pose a stiffer challenge as the draw narrows, while Sinner’s progression keeps him on course for a potential marquee matchup later in the tournament.
Tournament officials said scheduling will account for player recovery as temperatures and match lengths increase.
Tuesday’s results reinforced the layered narrative of the tournament, blending emerging resilience with established dominance.
Shelton v Ruud delivered the day’s drama, while Swiatek and Sinner reminded the field why consistency remains the most reliable currency at the sport’s highest level.
Q1: Who won the Shelton v Ruud match?
The Shelton v Ruud match was level after Ben Shelton won the second set to force a deciding set.
Q2: What tournament is Shelton v Ruud being played at?
Shelton v Ruud is being played in the early rounds of a Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Q3: Who else won on the same day as Shelton v Ruud?
Iga Swiatek defeated Ajla Inglis, while Jannik Sinner beat Luciano Darderi in straight sets.