Fritz finally claims revenge over Shelton

Taylor Fritz earned his first win over US compatriot Ben Shelton on Friday, winning their ATP Halle quarter-final 6-7 (5), 7-6 (8), 7-6 (3) to finally take revenge in their series.

Shelton, the national No. 1, had defeated his rival in last Sunday’s Stuttgart grass final as well as in the indoors Dallas title match in February.

Fritz had to work for two and three-quarter hours to advance to the final four in a stadium styled more than three decades ago to be an exact mini-replica of Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

“It’s just a relief after our last one (Stuttgart),” the winner said. “Once I got to 6-3 (final-set tiebreaker), I just couldn’t take losing another one to Ben.

“It seemed like he had the better chances today – just like I did in the two matches he won this season. I’m happy I got through this one.”

Fritz hammered 24 aces, finishing on the first of three match points. 

World No. 5 Fritz, always the tennis technician, said that he must improve before his Saturday semi-final.

“There’s a lot I can do better, I need better second serve returns, I missed so many of them today.

“That and maybe trying not to brick the ball when I come to the net.”

Fritz improved to 29-5 over the last three seasons of grass play and earned his fist top 10 win of the season since beating Lorenzo Musetti last November at the season finals.

Main photo:- Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton after match in Halle – by ATPTour.com