Australian qualifier James Duckworth upsets world No.14 Ben Shelton in the second round at an ATP 250 grass-court tournament in Germany.
Stuttgart, Germany, 14 June 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Stuttgart, Germany
James Duckworth has beaten world No.14 Ben Shelton in a three-set tussle at an ATP 250 grass-court tournament in Stuttgart.
The American fired 21 aces in their second-round encounter – but it wasn’t enough to stop the Australian qualifier edging out a 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3 victory.
This is 32-year-old Duckworth’s fourth career top-20 win and first since 2021. All three of his previous top-20 wins had been on hard courts.
The resurgent Duckworth’s reward is a quarterfinal showdown with former world No.6 and Wimbledon 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini.
This is the world No.101’s third tour-level quarterfinal appearance of the season.
Aussies in action – Stuttgart
RESULTS
Men’s singles, second round
[Q] James Duckworth (AUS) d [2] Ben Shelton (USA) 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3
COMING UP
Men’s singles, quarterfinals
[Q] James Duckworth (AUS) v Matteo Berrettini (ITA)
‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Alex de Minaur has made a winning start to the grass-court season, beating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs to move into the quarterfinals at an ATP 250 tournament at ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
The world No.9, who was contesting his first match since reaching the Roland Garros quarterfinals earlier this month, scored a 7-5 6-4 victory.
“Zizou is a hell of competitor and a very tricky opponent and I’m very happy I was able to sneak the win,” said De Minaur, who received a first-round bye as the tournament’s top seed. “First win of the grass-court season, so hopefully there are many, many more.”
This sets up a final-eight showdown with big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic, a former world No.3 and Wimbledon 2016 finalist.
Aleksandar Vukic is also through to the quarterfinals after recording his career-best grass-court win.
The 28-year-old Australian eliminated world No.22 Karen Khachanov in a tight second-round clash. With their rain-delayed match resuming tied at one-set apiece, world No.87 Vukic managed to close out a 6-4 5-7 7-6(4) victory.
This is Vukic’s second career win over a top-30 opponent and his first on grass.
Defending champion and local favourite Tallon Griekspoor awaits in the next round.
In doubles action, John-Patrick Smith has advanced to the semifinals with his German partner Andrea Mies. They scored a hard-fought win…
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