The Asian leg of the tennis calendar has been going on in full swing. One of the top tennis tournaments of the season, the Shanghai Masters is currently underway where top players have made it in order to achieve success and end the season on a high. Earlier today, the quarterfinal round took place where Sebastian Korda was up against Ben Shelton in an all-American last-eight match. The tie saw some thrilling tennis action as Korda got the better of his compatriot in a tough three-set match. After the match, Coco Gauff’s legendary consultant, Brad Gilbert, had an interesting opinion on this encounter.
A few weeks ago, Gilbert joined Gauff’s coaching staff as a consultant. The two have enjoyed tremendous success together. Here’s what he had to say about Korda and Shelton.
Coco Gauff’s consultant all praise for Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In what was a topsy-turvy match, Korda made a brilliant comeback to win the tie in three sets 6-7 (10), 6-2, 7-6 (6). The crowd was treated to some thrilling action for close to three hours as the match truly became one of the best in the recent past. As a result, it invited special praise from Gilbert.
Gauff’s legendary coach, Gilbert took to his official Twitter handle to laud the American duo. Talking about it, he said, “what a match in Shanghai @RolexMasters so great to see 2 young Americans Kordaroy and Gimme Shelton.”
what a match in Shanghai @RolexMasters so great 💭😀 to see 2 young Americans 🇺🇸 Kordaroy and Gimme Shelton
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) October 12, 2023
Further, Korda’s win over Shelton was a special one for the American fans. It was the first time that their countryman had entered the last four at the Shanghai Masters. The previous best was Andy Roddick and Jack Sock making it to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Meanwhile, it is not the first time Gilbert is speaking highly about Shelton. In the past too, he has praised the 21-year-old.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Gilbert’s prediction for Shelton
Earlier this year, Shelton reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. During a podcast, Gilbert went on to laud the American star’s efforts while predicting big things from him. Talking about it, the legendary coach said, “You see where his game is and you think, man! There’s a lot of growth upside in his game.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite the heartbreaking loss against Korda, Shelton will take back a lot of learnings home as he aims to improve in the upcoming tournaments. On the other hand, Korda will face Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinal of the Shanghai Masters.
WATCH THIS STORY: Queen Serena Williams Arrives With Her Princess Olympia in London for Her 24th Slam Quest at Wimbledon Championships 2022