US Open finalist Shelton dumped out in Shanghai third round

Shanghai, China witnessed a surprising upset as world number 56 Arthur Gea defeated US Open finalist Ben Shelton in the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday. The 21-year-old French tennis player secured a victory with a 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) win, marking his biggest triumph to date. Following the match, Gea expressed his astonishment, crediting his focus, concentration, and readiness for every point as key factors in his performance.

Gea further revealed that his confidence on the court had significantly improved due to a breakout year, which included clinching his first professional title in July at a 250-level event in Los Cabos. The match saw Shelton, the 24-year-old American, battle back from a 5-3 deficit in the first set, leveling the score at 5-5 with a crucial backhand volley at the net.

The tension continued in the second set as both players were tied, until Gea managed to edge ahead and clinch the tie-break, ultimately securing the win. Shelton, ranked as the third seed, managed to force another tie-break in the second set, but his efforts were in vain as Gea managed to clinch victory at the crucial moment.