.United States ping pong followers, receive your popcorn ready.It will certainly be actually Ben Shelton vs. Frances Tiafoe in the united state Open third round on Friday-- easily a night-session face-off in Arthur Ashe Arena. It will likewise be actually a rematch of last year's quarterfinals, gained by Shelton 6-2, 3-6, 7-6( 7 ), 6-2. Neither Shelton nor Tiafoe had much trouble putting together the rematch. Shelton did certainly not drop a collection while kicking out Dominic Thiem and also Roberto Bautista Agut earlier in the week. Tiafoe got through a four-setter versus Aleksandar Kovacevic and after that benefitted from a third-set retired life through Alexander Shevchenko on Wednesday (the planet No. 20 led 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 when it finished).
The result is actually one more chapter in this particular welcoming rivalry.
" I certainly desire to bet him," Tiafoe commented before Shelton rounded off Bautista Agut. "Certainly he is actually very much like me in how fired up as well as spirited he is on the court and also possesses such a large activity as well as big shots as well as serves big and gets the group going. He is actually 21 years old. He's youthful, comical, fractures jokes-- practically as premature as I am. Our team consistently enjoy yourself joking around and also fracturing jokes, without a doubt.".
Naturally, friendship will definitely be actually reserved for this smash hit struggle. Tiafoe doesn't want to fall behind 3-0 in the neck and neck collection versus his more youthful fellow citizen (he also shed to Shelton in the Houston last this spring season). Shelton, currently as much as No. thirteen in the ranks, has semifinal points to safeguard as he makes an effort to proceed his require the top 10.
" I am truly awaiting it," Shelton said. "We possessed a wonderful war in the fourths in 2013 and I ensure it will be actually one more snacks match." Ricky provides to 10sballs. com and likewise keeps his personal ping pong site, The Grandstand. You can observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.