Mature Shelton overpowers Ruud to reach third Melbourne quarterfinal
Ben Shelton defeated Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Monday to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals for the third time. The has set up a heavyweight showdown against defending champion Jannik Sinner.
Ben Shelton, Australian Open 2026 | © PsNewz
Ben Shelton defeated Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to confirm that Melbourne Park remains the most successful hunting ground of his young career. In a fourth-round clash defined by a shift in momentum after the opening set, the 23-year-old American utilized his massive serve and net-rushing aggression to overwhelm the Norwegian No 12 seed.
With this victory, Shelton moves into his fifth career Grand Slam quarterfinal, continuing a remarkably consistent 2026 season where he currently holds a 5-1 record at the majors.
BREAKTHROUGH CONTINUITY IN MELBOURNE
While Ruud took the opening set 6-3 behind a masterclass in heavy topspin and baseline depth, Shelton’s response was a testament to the tactical maturity he has developed since his breakout run here in 2023.
The American No 8 seed, now ranked No 7 in the world, adjusted his return positioning and began finding the lines with his forehand to break Ruud’s rhythm. Having navigated his way to the last eight with wins over Valentin Vacherot (6-4, 6-4, 7-6), Dane Sweeny (6-3, 6-2, 6-2), and Ugo Humbert (6-3, 7-6, 7-6), Shelton’s confidence on the fast Australian courts was evident as he closed out the final three sets with clinical efficiency.
Ruud, the former world No 2, was aiming for his first personal best in Melbourne after a solid opening week featuring wins over Marin Cilic and Mattia Bellucci. However, as Shelton’s serve clicked into gear, the Norwegian found fewer opportunities to extend the rallies where his consistency usually tilts the odds. Shelton’s ability to “keep delivering down under” has now placed him in a historic bracket; his win ensures that for the first time in the Open Era, the top six seeds in both the Men’s and Women’s Singles have successfully reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam event.
THE ULTIMATE TEST: SINNER AWAITS
The path forward for Shelton now runs through the tournament favorite and second seed, Jannik Sinner. The Italian has been nearly untouchable this fortnight, winning 33 of his last 34 sets, and will provide the ultimate litmus test for Shelton’s aggressive style. While Shelton has previously found success in Melbourne, reaching the semifinals here in 2025, he will need to find another gear to disrupt Sinner’s machine-like baseline game.
As the tournament enters its second week, the American “Slam specialist” remains one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw. With his left-handed serve firing and his mental game appearing more settled than ever, Shelton is no longer just a “breakout” story; he is a legitimate contender for a maiden Major title. The quarterfinal clash with Sinner promises to be a battle of high-octane tennis that will decide who claims the first semifinal spot in the top half of the draw.
