In a thrilling conclusion to the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston, Ben Shelton emerged victorious, claiming his second ATP Tour title and his first on clay by defeating the defending champion Frances Tiafoe. The final match, which captivated tennis fans, ended with scores of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in favor of Shelton. This victory marks Shelton's first title on clay, highlighting his rapid ascent in the world of tennis. Notably, this win propels Shelton to the world No. 14 ranking and positions him as a strong contender for the US No. 1 spot during the clay season. The match was a rematch of their previous encounter at last summer's US Open, underscoring the growing rivalry between these talented American players. Shelton's performance in Houston is particularly significant as it follows his extensive preparation on clay, including participation in both singles and doubles matches in Europe last year. His efforts have paid off, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination on the clay court.
Ben Shelton rises, again, wins Houston Also with Danielle Collins, Frances Tiafoe, the ATP and the WTA, and more. https://t.co/lMSn5AJMia https://t.co/IP0dGDo5pj
Etched in history 🏆 #USClay https://t.co/JGdjdysa5S
Well done to @BenShelton! 👏 April 7, 2024: Wins second ATP title 🏆 (Houston ATP 250) August 1, 2021: Wins first pro title 🏆 (Champaign $25K Futures) https://t.co/E9KfrD6q5p
The Shelton's love winning in Houston 🏆 Bryan Shelton, 1992 🏆 Ben Shelton, 2024 (📷 @BenShelton) https://t.co/NRUSIbOxdd
Shelton Eases Past Tiafoe For Houston Title, First On Clay https://t.co/PLjFdCy1c0
Ben Shelton defeats defending champ Frances Tiafoe to win title at U.S. Clay Court Championships https://t.co/SwcYM5XSp6
A legacy to remember 🏆 #USClay | @BenShelton https://t.co/fkFrX0zHmf
Houston, we have a winner! 🏆 #USClay | @BenShelton https://t.co/g41mb2gsuY
Ben Shelton (Team World 2023), Hubert Hurkacz (Team Europe 2023), and Matteo Berrettini (Team Europe 2021 & 2022) each claimed an ATP singles title this weekend. Shelton ➡️ Houston 2024 🏆 Hurkacz ➡️ Estoril 2024 🏆 Berrettini ➡️ Marrakech 2024 🏆 https://t.co/HZbqsPNtyu
2nd title ✔️ First on Clay 🏆 #USClay | @BenShelton https://t.co/ymuu7X7Qco
Fast-rising Ben Shelton is suddenly closing in on the US #1 spot with his Houston title (and with Fritz’s early loss in Monte Carlo today). https://t.co/tiQUU9qbm8
Ben Shelton’s written words after winning his first ATP clay court title in Houston https://t.co/E69tBWeUBM
Second ATP Tour trophy in the bag ✅ @BenShelton | @mensclaycourt | #USClay https://t.co/EXzxux2XF1
Fantastic week for Shelton, who will very likely be the new US #1 during the clay season! https://t.co/JgLXmvEdu9
Ben Shelton will become the world #14 & the #2 ranked American when the new rankings came out. Just 275 points behind Fritz. Not many points to defend during the clay season. 👀 Coming up fast. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/8L0N0pw9mk
Ben Shelton, the new No. 14 in the world after winning his second career title in Houston, will train on the red clay at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona in preparation for the European clay season, says Sam Gore on ESPN3
Shelton wins in Houston. And it's worth noting that it doesn't exactly come out of the blue. He went to Europe and played EVERYTHING on the clay last year - singles and doubles – and got his ass kicked a lot but he banked some learnin'. Paying off this week. https://t.co/PG0Cwe9jTB
"He's got the swagger of a player who is going to win a lot of big titles" says Jimmy Arias on ESPN3 of Ben Shelton, the winner of the 2024 @mensclaycourt title
SHELTON SHINES IN HOUSTON 🏆 @BenShelton defeats defending champion Tiafoe 7-5 4-6 6-3 for his second ATP Tour title! #USClay https://t.co/5OYkG98hRz
Big F😮E responds @FTiafoe takes the second set in the Houston final against Shelton 6-4 🍿 @mensclaycourt | #USClay https://t.co/LGr9N1Uv3m
Sliding into a set lead 💪 @BenShelton takes the opener in the final 7-5 🆚 Tiafoe @mensclaycourt | #USClay https://t.co/MQWMQJ3Wwt
Shelton with the first set 7-5! #USClay | @benshelton https://t.co/B06RcrHfUj
Super hand skills 😤 @BenShelton | @mensclaycourt | #USClay https://t.co/EbFfcpdMT3
Watch Shelton vs. Tiafoe live in the men's final from Houston ⤵️⤵️⤵️ https://t.co/5EmSQEKnZH
Get the popcorn ready 🍿 @FTiafoe takes on @BenShelton for the title in Houston 🏆 Watch Live -> https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX #USClay https://t.co/IKLO7hzR7n
Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship (Final) (4/7/24) - Live Stream - Watch ESPN fire 🔥 up ⬆️ all American 🇺🇸 final in Htown Lighten of Frances vs Gimme Shelton @mensclaycourt @peteholtermann 👊💪😎👍 https://t.co/OTMdZjWaMw
Rematch booked. After playing for the first time at last summer's @usopen, @BenShelton and @FTiafoe will play for the 🏆 at @mensclaycourt in Houston. https://t.co/llVwTmz72q
First final on clay for Shelton 🧱 For his 2nd season on clay, Ben Shelton secures a place into his 1st final on this surface beating Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7 6-4 6-4 in Houston He faces Frances Tiafoe to try to win ATP 2nd title https://t.co/yXSlwJ6Cxu
It should be a good final on Sunday, when in Houston, Frances Tiafoe will face against Ben Shelton. Tiafoe said about the 21-year-old player: "He's got one of the best serves on the Tour. Holding serve is huge. He's a great player. It's going to be a tough match, a good battle." https://t.co/BTXgqmRgad