.United States ping pong followers, acquire your popcorn ready.It will be actually Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe in the USA Open third round on Friday-- possibly a night-session face-off in Arthur Ashe Stadium. It will definitely additionally be actually a rematch of in 2014's quarterfinals, gained by Shelton 6-2, 3-6, 7-6( 7 ), 6-2. Neither Shelton neither Tiafoe had a lot trouble setting up the rematch. Shelton did certainly not drop a collection while kicking out Dominic Thiem and also Roberto Bautista Agut earlier in the week. Tiafoe survived a four-setter versus Aleksandar Kovacevic and afterwards gained from a third-set retired life by Alexander Shevchenko on Wednesday (the world No. 20 led 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 when it ended).
The result is yet another chapter in this particular helpful rivalry.
" I definitely wish to play against him," Tiafoe commented just before Shelton accomplished Bautista Agut. "Obviously he's quite like me in exactly how delighted and lively he performs the court and also possesses such a big activity and heavy-hitters and provides major and obtains the group going. He is actually 21 years old. He is actually young, hilarious, gaps jokes-- almost as premature as I am. Our team always enjoy joking around and cracking pranks, without a doubt.".
Obviously, companionship will certainly be reserved for this blockbuster struggle. Tiafoe does not would like to fall back 3-0 in the neck and neck series versus his much younger national (he likewise dropped to Shelton in the Houston ultimate this springtime). Shelton, already as much as No. thirteen in the positions, possesses semifinal lead to fight for as he tries to proceed his push for the leading 10.
" I am actually eagerly anticipating it," Shelton mentioned. "Our team possessed a fantastic battle in the quarters in 2015 and also I make certain it is going to be an additional popcorn match." Ricky contributes to 10sballs. com as well as likewise maintains his own tennis site, The Grandstand. You can follow him on Twitter at @Dimonator.