Ben Shelton advanced to the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time, defeating Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante. The 22-year-old American showcased a strong performance, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. This victory places Shelton as the fourth-youngest American man to reach the fourth round at all four major tournaments.
During the match, Shelton demonstrated remarkable skill by recovering from a fall in the second set to win a point with a backhand shot. Reflecting on his journey through the tournament, Shelton noted, “It was very different having five days off between my first and third rounds… I stayed here and I’m really looking forward to being in the second week.”
This achievement marks Shelton’s first time reaching the second week at Roland Garros. He expressed his satisfaction with this milestone: “It’s my first time being in the second week here at the French… I couldn’t be more happy with doing that today.”
Tommy Paul also progressed on Friday, marking the first instance since 2001 that multiple American men have reached this stage of the clay-court major. In his next match, Shelton will face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or Damir Dzumhur.
Gigante had previously defeated former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas but could not replicate such success against Shelton. The match featured strategic play from both sides; however, it was Shelton’s ability to unsettle Gigante with drop shots and net play that led to his opponent committing 36 unforced errors.
Shelton’s aggressive approach saw him move to the forecourt 33 times during their encounter, winning 20 points and maintaining pressure on Gigante throughout.