Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton face off in a rematch of last year's Shanghai Masters fourth round when they battle on Wednesday.
Although the American stunned Sinner 12 months ago in their first meeting on the ATP Tour, the Italian has since responded impressively in their rivalry and aims to continue his winning streak against the high-energy Shelton.
Match preview
The best player on the men's tour in 2024 has made it to the quarter-final of every tournament this season, but that streak faced a threat last time out when he needed a turnaround against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
The world No. 1 fell short in the first set tiebreak before turning the match around to clinch a 6-7(3), 6-4 6-2 victory.
Although he landed 71% of first serves and won 78% of points on such deliveries, a 54% success on seconds was average by the Italian's standards, a repeat which the heavy-hitting Shelton could exploit.
Facing the American poses fresh challenges for the Tour's leading player this season, who aims to clinch a third Masters success of 2024 and fourth overall.
To achieve that, Sinner must get the better of the player who eliminated him at this event in 2023 to continue his impressive streak of quarter-final appearances this season and set up a potential last-eight encounter with Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev.
Although Shelton was predicted to defeat Roberto Carballes Baena in three, the 21-year-old got the job done in two to advance to the fourth round without dropping a set.
The Spaniard entered Tuesday's match-up with momentum, having defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in the opening round and recent Japan Open champion Arthur Fils subsequently.
However, Shelton got the better of the experienced player, underscored by winning 91% of points on his first serves and 67% on his second deliveries without facing break points throughout.
That continued an impressive showing in Shanghai, where Shelton hit 11 aces in his tournament-opening victory over Denis Shapovalov, made 78% of his first serves, was effective in 77% of points in such situations and had a perfect 100% on his second deliveries against the Canadian, all without facing a single break point.
It remains to be seen if the United States player sustains that performance against a player of Sinner's quality, even if that form and momentum allied with their Shanghai history promises a mouthwatering match-up on Wednesday.
Tournament so far
Jannik Sinner:
First round: Bye
Second round: vs. Taro Daniel 6-1 6-4
Third round: vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7[3] 6-4 6-2
Ben Shelton:
First round: Bye
Second round: vs. Denis Shapovalov 6-3 7-5
Third round: vs. Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4
Head To Head
Wimbledon (2024) - Fourth round: Sinner 6-2 6-4 7-6(9)
Indian Wells (2024) - Fourth round: Sinner 7-6(4) 6-1
Vienna (2023) - Round of 32: Sinner 7-6(2) 7-5
Shanghai Masters (2023) - Fourth round: Shelton 2-6 6-3 7-6(5)
Although Shelton claimed a comeback victory in the pair's first meeting on the ATP Tour, Sinner now leads 3-1 in their head-to-head following victories in Vienna last year, Indian Wells earlier this season and Wimbledon.
Interestingly, the 23-year-old Italian player has not dropped a set against the effervescent American since losing two at this event last year and hopes to continue that streak.
We say: Sinner to win in three sets
Given Shelton's impressive serving so far in Shanghai, he should back himself to nick one set against the world No. 1.
However, the Italian's expertise in grinding out victories and know-how on the big points mean Sinner is favoured to advance and avenge last year's loss.
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