Google News
Nine years after Roger Federer invented SABR, Ben Shelton used it in Dallas against Michael Mmoh. The young American clinched 28 consecutive points behind the initial shot, dominating and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Shelton went for Sneak Attack By Roger as we can see in the video below, taking time away from Mmoh and imposing his strokes. Ben grabbed three breaks in a 6-3, 6-3 win in 63 minutes, sailing into the quarter-final. Federer introduced SABR to his arsenal in Cincinnati 2015, dominating his games and delivering extra pressure on his opponents after attacking their serves from inside the court.
Mixing his incredible footwork and timing, Roger would step inside the baseline and employ sharp and aggressive returns, keeping his rivals on the back foot and controlling the pace.
Shelton repeated that against Mmoh in a flawless performance, dropping three points in his games and converting 38% of the return points into three breaks, more than enough to emerge at the top in no time. Ben stayed away from unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and outplaying his opponent from the baseline.
The younger American secured the first game of the match with a lucky net cord backhand winner and created three break points in the next one. Michael sprayed a forehand error on the third, experiencing an early setback and sending a boost to the other side.
Ben Shelton scored an impressive win over Michael Mmoh in Dallas.
Ben secured the third game with a booming serve and repeated that at 3-1 to remain in front. Mmoh held in game six after a forehand winner, staying within one break deficit before Shelton landed a smash winner at 4-2 for another fine hold.
Michael extended the battle with a hold at 15 in game eight before Ben produced another hold at love at 5-3 with an unreturned serve, securing the opener in 33 minutes. They served well in the opening four games of the second set before Mmoh experienced issues at 2-2.
The more experienced American saved a break point with a service winner but faced the second after a double fault. Ben converted the second after Michael's backhand error, building the advantage and moving closer to the finish line.
Serving well, Shelton delivered another hold at love in game six with an ace, extending his streak behind the initial shot. Ben held at love again in game eight, rattling off 28 points in his games and moving 5-3 in front. Mmoh tried to extend the battle in game nine, hitting a loose backhand and facing three match points.
Shelton fired a forehand winner on the first, sealing the deal and SABRing his way into the last eight.
S̶A̶B̶R̶ SABB 🤔@BenShelton eases past Mmoh 6-3 6-3 to make the final eight in Dallas! 💪@DALOpenTennis | #DALOpen pic.twitter.com/yOb3wkBck1 — ATP Tour (@atptour) February 8, 2024