Did Americans Shelton and Fritz Make It to the Last 16 at Aus Open?
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Synopsis
On January 24, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz made headlines at the Australian Open by advancing to the last 16. With impressive performances, both players demonstrated their prowess on the court, leaving fans excited for what lies ahead in this prestigious tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton is proving to be a formidable player at this year’s Australian Open.
- Taylor Fritz shows resilience against established players like Wawrinka.
- Both players have advanced without dropping a set.
- Wawrinka's exit marks a significant moment in his career as he plans to retire.
- The competition is heating up as Shelton and Fritz prepare for the next round.
Melbourne, Jan 24 (NationPress) World No. 8 Ben Shelton and No. 9 Taylor Fritz triumphed in their respective third-round encounters on the seventh day of the Australian Open, ensuring their positions in the last 16 of this inaugural Grand Slam event of the year.
Shelton overpowered Monaco's Valentin Vacherot with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(5) in a match that lasted two hours and 17 minutes at Margaret Court Arena, while Fritz took down Swiss wild-card Stan Wawrinka with a scoreline of 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that spanned two hours and 46 minutes at John Cain Arena.
Continuing to build on his impressive Australian Open run, Shelton advanced to the fourth round without dropping a single set.
The American, ranked No. 8, has decisively defeated all three of his opponents, showcasing the strength and poise that have characterized his ascent at Melbourne Park. He recorded 48 winners, unleashed 15 aces, and secured an impressive 81 percent of points on his first serve, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender against either Casper Ruud or Marin Cilic in the next round.
Exhibiting control at critical points, Shelton broke serve late in both the first and second sets, achieving matching 6-4 results. The third set was tightly contested, but Shelton's superior serving and his calmness in the tiebreak clinched the straight-sets victory.
Yet to drop a set and filled with confidence, Shelton appears increasingly at ease on the Melbourne stage, even as he downplays the notion that this is his peak performance.
In contrast, Fritz overcame Wawrinka in four sets, leading to the Swiss player's exit from the first Grand Slam of the year. Wawrinka's Australian Open journey ended with a 45-19 win-loss record, having made his men's singles debut in 2006 and claiming his sole title here in 2014. He also reached the semifinals in 2015 and 2017, marking this as his fifth third-round departure at the Australian Open.
A three-time Grand Slam champion and former runner-up, Wawrinka is set to make his next Grand Slam appearance at the French Open.
Point of View
I believe that the performances of Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open are a testament to the rising talent in American tennis. Their progression to the last 16 not only adds excitement to the tournament but also highlights the importance of nurturing young players in the sport.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the American players advancing to the last 16?
Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz have both advanced to the last 16 of the Australian Open.
What were the scores of their matches?
Shelton defeated Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(5), while Fritz won against Stan Wawrinka 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
How has Shelton performed so far in the tournament?
Shelton has won all his matches without dropping a set, showcasing a dominant performance.
What is the significance of Wawrinka's exit?
Wawrinka's exit marks the end of his Australian Open journey, and he plans to retire after this year.
What’s next for these players?
Shelton and Fritz will compete in the fourth round, continuing their quest for glory at the Australian Open.
