The Shanghai Masters saw Hubert Hurkacz winning his second Masters 1000 title. The runner was up Andrey Rublev, who was aiming for his second title at this level. The final saw Rublev averaging 131 mph on his first serve, and his fastest was 141 mph. The Shanghai Masters called out Rublev, Hurkacz, Ben Shelton, and Tommy Paul to test their service strength in an unusual way.
The players were invited to serve with their non-dominant hands. Shelton, known for his record-breaking serve, was clocked at 56 mph. Christopher Eubanks tried multiple times and reached speeds up to 66 mph. Rublev was happy with one attempt, as he was clocked at 63 mph. The star of the show was Tommy Paul, who hit an impressive 71 mph in only his second attempt at the game.
Not as easy as it sounds 😉
How fast can the players hit a serve with the wrong hand?! 🤣#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/xT7BTZvcfH
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 17, 2023
Ugo Humbert had a hilarious start to the game as he hit the ball in the spectator stands. Humbert freaked out but realised that people were not seated in that area. Paul hit a perfect serve on his first attempt, landing inside the box. The American will hope his Shanghai luck will work in Tokyo. He will be facing Shelton in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open.
Ben Shelton reaches third consecutive quarterfinals on tour
The Japan Open will begin the quarterfinal stage with an all-American clash. Shelton will be playing in his third consecutive quarterfinal match and facing Paul for the third time on tour. The pair have met twice this year, and both matches have come at the grand slams. The 26-year-old beat Shelton in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Shelton then beat Paul in the fourth round of the US Open.
It will be the first time both Americans meet outside the grand slams. The 21-year-old will be the favourite as his form has improved in each event. Additionally, Shelton has served 18 aces in his previous two matches and has spent five and a half hours on the court at Tokyo. Moreover, he has also lost a set in each of the matches. On the other hand, Paul has only lost one set so far at the Japan Open.
Ben Shelton to the QFs in Tokyo! 🇺🇸📞
The US Open semifinalist comes from one set down to defeat Jordan Thompson.
He will face Tommy Paul. pic.twitter.com/1EFIBJCb2J
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) October 18, 2023
The World No. 26 will use his crafty shots to outsmart the heavy groundstrokes by Shelton. However, the 2023 US Open semifinalist hit a couple of bullet forehands in the fourth round and will do the same against Paul. Consequently, it will be a long-awaited clash as the Japan Open will see two heavyweights clashing against each other.