Ben Shelton issues apology to the fans in Stuttgart after what happened during his latest match, 'sorry to the audience'

Ben Shelton is into the semi-finals of the Stuttgart Open, having breezed past Jiri Lehecka with remarkable ease.

This big-serving Czech is known for his powerful groundstrokes, and therefore a game style that should thrive on grass.

However, the 22-year-old barely even gave him a chance, recording an emphatic, routine victory to set up a semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev.

Ben Shelton hit 18 aces on his way to the victory, winning a stunning 100% of points on his first serve, and an equally mind-boggling 92% of points on his second.

Comprehensive and clinical, he then reacted to such a solid performance.

Ben Shelton reacts to breaking into the ATP top ten

Chatting in his post-match on-court interview, Shelton was glowing.

And with good reason, given the manner in which he dispatched his opponent, serving relentlessly as if he were in a rush.

It was the speed with which he won his match that actually became the topic of conversation, as well as his potential entry into the ATP top ten.

The American noted: ‘If that’s really true, it would be a huge milestone for me [breaking into the top ten]. But I’ll have to see it with my own eyes on Monday. It looks like Stuttgart is a good place for such an achievement. If I remember correctly, Frances Tiafoe also managed to break into the top 10 right here when he won the title.

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‘I’m just thinking about this week and want to still be here on Sunday. Thank you very much to the audience, you gave it your all and I will now give my best.

‘My serve was much faster today. Sorry to the audience that there weren’t many rallies. The balls were so fast, it was almost dangerous for the ball kids. I didn’t have many returns, but it worked in the important moments. It’s hard to beat me in these conditions and I want to take this momentum with me now.’

His emergence into the top ten only further reinforces the strength in depth the US has, with Shelton and Taylor Fritz agreeing about the current state of American tennis.

Ben Shelton is set to be a threat for the Wimbledon title

If he can maintain serving numbers like the ones posted yesterday throughout Wimbledon, nobody will be able to stop him.

A huge left-handed serve has become a staple of Shelton’s game, from which the rest of his big-hitting philosophy can built.

His one-two punch, especially on grass, is lethal, yet he has never made it past the fourth round at the All England Club.

Last year, he was disappointingly brushed aside by Jannik Sinner, who has only improved since then. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz heads back to the event full of confidence after already defending one Grand Slam in Paris.

Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images

To win any elite title, players on the ATP tour will have to somehow get through these top two players in the world.

However, if anyone has the disruptive, explosive, unpredictable play style to trouble them, it’s Shelton. And, on grass, this kind of serving will be sure to unsettle these young champions and put him alongside them in the conversation for the Wimbledon title.

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