Ben Shelton earned the first title of his career on Sunday with a 7-5, 6-1 hammering of Aslan Karatsev to triumph at the ATP event in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old US Open semi-finalist was helped by 20 unforced errors from his opponent in the title match of the 500 series tournament which lasted 84 minutes.
“That meant a lot to me and my team,” the winner said. “We’ve been working really hard since the beginning to build my game and win titles.
“I’ve made some deep runs lately. The great champions, they win titles, they don’t just get to finals.
“To be able to do it for one week, put together five matches in a row in Tokyo is really special.”
The No. 19 will rise four spots in the rankings after his breakthrough success at the Ariake Colosseum. Shelton is also in the running for a place in the ATP season final for under 21 players.
“I’m really looking forward to this tail-end stretch of the year, it’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
Shelton finished with 18 winners and backed up the Tokyo title for Americans a year after Taylor Fritz took the honours.
Main photo:- Ben Shelton lifts Tokyo trophy – by ATPTour.com
