“I never played against someone that hit the ball as hard”

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday August 11, 2023

Ben Shelton could also be an unfinished product on the tennis courtroom, and he might have managed a file of 8-18 since his journey to the quarterfinals on the Australian Open, however the truth stays: Shelton hits one of many largest balls on the tour.

Just ask Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated the American in second-round motion, 6-3, 7-6(3), on Wednesday evening in Toronto.

“You know, honestly, I never played against someone that hit the ball as hard as he hit,” Alcaraz mentioned. “It’s something crazy. You know, some serves at 235. Honestly, I almost broke my string.”

Alcaraz dealt with the problem effectively, changing considered one of his three break factors and successful 30 % of his first-serve return factors (9 of 37).

World no. 1 🇪🇸Carlos Alcaraz debuted final evening in Toronto with a 6-3, 7-6 win over 🇺🇸Ben Shelton.

In his submit match, he mentioned he was amazed by the facility and tempo of Shelton’s ball.

“Honestly I’ve never played against someone that hits the ball as hard as him”#NBO23 pic.twitter.com/zGMtRnv1tR

— Ben Lewis (@BenLewisMPC) August 10, 2023

Nevertheless, Forty first-ranked Shelton possesses the kind of first-strike sport that might doubtlessly trigger issues for Alcaraz sooner or later. Keep an eye fixed on the rivalry.

“He’s going to be over there a long time, I’m sure,” Shelton mentioned of his fellow 20-year-old. “We are going to play so many matches more.

“He’s really, really tough. So he’s a real aggressive one. He didn’t let me play my game that is aggressive going to the net.”