In a hotly anticipated Monday matchup of two of the ATP Tour’s latest younger stars, fourth seed Holger Rune edged Ben Shelton within the pair’s first ATP Head2Head assembly.

In a 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-2 victory on the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, the Dane gained eight of the ultimate 10 video games to shut out a match that held on a knife edge till late.

“I managed to search out options when it mattered,” Rune stated post-match. “I needed to dig actually deep for that break within the second set. Within the third set I felt like I used to be extra up. I feel I performed good total and it was tremendous difficult match.”

Shelton saved two set factors in an exhilarating opening-set tie-break earlier than successful it, then erased one other two at 4-5 within the second set, together with one with a 120-mph second serve. However Rune took his third probability in set two after battling again from 40/0 within the return recreation.

It remained tight within the last set till Rune rattled off the ultimate 4 video games from 2-2, sparked by the purpose of the match through which he outdid a Shelton tweener with a feathered half volley. The pair slapped fingers after the thrilling trade, they usually met once more on the web quickly after when Rune gained the ultimate 4 video games with out being pushed to deuce.

Showtime in Acapulco 🌴

Pure magic from @holgerrune2003 and @BenShelton at #AMT2023! pic.twitter.com/zkm5bW4ItQ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 28, 2023

The 19-year-old Dane didn’t face a break level in units two and three, shedding only one level on his first serve throughout each units. Shelton gained 80 per cent of his first serve factors within the match, with Rune singling out that shot for reward.

“He has an enormous serve. For me it is one of many largest serves I ever performed, ” Rune stated of the American. “He has numerous weapons. Most of all I am tremendous proud of how I dealt with all the pieces mentally.”

After spending two hours, 20 minutes as rivals, Rune and Shelton are set to staff up in doubles subsequent week at Indian Wells. Shelton, six months Rune’s senior at 20, can also be within the doubles draw this week alongside Mackenzie McDonald in Acapulco.

Earlier than Rune’s victory on centre court docket, third seed Taylor Fritz opened play within the stadium with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win in opposition to fellow American John Isner. It was the 25-year-old’s first match as a High 5 participant, after he rose as much as the No. 5 spot on this week’s Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

Sixth-seeded American Frances Tiafoe additionally superior, 7-6(6), 6-4 in opposition to Yoshihito Nishioka.