PARIS – Ben Shelton defeated Lorenzo Sonego in his second straight set in the Grand Slam this year, reaching the second round of the French Open on Sunday, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The 13th seeded American was praised by fans for eagerly swinging his racket.
“I thought the crowd was amazing. It was my first time here in the courtroom of Philip Chatelier. I’m sure it’s not something I’ll ever forget,” Shelton said shortly after midnight.
Shelton’s girlfriend Trinity Rodman – a daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman who played for the US women’s soccer team and also Shelton’s father Brian Shelton, who is also his coach, has been praised from the stands.
Shelton defeated Sonego in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Sonego was on good progress this time, but Shelton took a 2-1 lead in four sets, looking back at the game.
Shelton took a medical timeout at the end of that set for treatment of his left ankle. He scored the victory with a sliced backhand that a full stretch sonego hit the net.
Earlier on Sunday, eighth seed Lorenzomsetti eased to second rounds 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann
Musetti has at least reached the semi-finals in the past three Masters tournaments in Rome, Madrid and Monte Carlo.
The 23-year-old Musetti reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon’s Grass last year, but hasn’t reached the quarter-finals in other majors.
Still, he believes he can win the French Open.
“I feel I’m ready to go to the trophy,” Missetti said. “I think clay is probably the surface I find most comfortable with.”
American players Tommy Paul and Francis Tierfour also advanced on Sunday.
12-seeded Paul won 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. Elmer Mueller was not ranked 112th.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
