Ben Shelton defeated Mackenzie McDonald 7-5, 6-4 to enter the second round of the ATP 500 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Monday.
The #NextGenATP American won a 99-minute match against World No. 54 McDonald after converting five of his six break points. He won four straight games from 2-4 in the second set with his kick serve and big forehand.
“I thought that this was definitely a good start to the tournament for me,” 20-year-old Shelton told ATPTour.com. “I did some things well, some things I could have done better, and over the next couple of days I’ll hope to improve on those things and sharpen my game.
“I’m pleased with my performance today, and obviously, things happen when you play on clay.” Today, I’m pleased of my mental toughness and competitive mindset.
Shelton meets third-seeded Casper Ruud in Barcelona. The American defeated Ruud in straight sets on Cincinnati’s hard courts in August as a No. 299 collegiate player. Shelton knows he must win without surprise against the Norwegian, a nine-time ATP Tour clay champion.
“Different surface, different circumstances,” said Shelton, presently ranked 37th in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. “I don’t think he knew who I was the last time I played him, but I know he knows me now. I’m thrilled about that game because I think he’ll be more prepared for my stuff.
In the inaugural match on Pista Rafa Nadal on Monday, Bernabe Zapata Miralles cheered the home supporters. The 26-year-old Spaniard overcame Attila Balazs 6-2, 6-2 to move to 10-9 for the season and set up an all-Spanish second-round match against 13th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.
‘Hitting Huge’: Borges Remembers 16-Year-Old Alcaraz Before Barcelona Clash
Pablo Andujar missed the second round. On his Barcelona debut, Tomas Martin Etcheverry overcame the 2015 finalist 6-2, 7-5 to face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round. Nuno Borges beat Ilya Ivashka in straight sets. The World No. 79 won 6-2, 6-3 to face top seed and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Emil Ruusuvuori won his Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899 debut easily. For the second time in two years, the Finn defeated Alexander Bublik in Barcelona, 6-0, 6-3. Ruusuvuori faces fifth seed Frances Tiafoe next. Nicolas Jarry defeated Marco Trungelliti 7-5, 6-3.