Shelton beats Karatsev for breakthrough tour title at Japan Open. Siniakova wins epic in China

TOKYO (AP) — In a thrilling final at the Japan Open, Ben Shelton emerged as the champion, defeating Aslan Karatsev with a score of 7-5, 6-1. This victory marks Shelton’s first tour title, following his impressive performance at the U.S. Open last month where he reached the semifinals.

The 21-year-old American showcased his exceptional form in Tokyo, delivering 18 winners and overpowering his Russian opponent with his left-handed serve. The final lasted 84 minutes, with Shelton’s dominance sealing his triumph.

“This win means a lot to me and my team,” Shelton expressed. “We have been working tirelessly to strengthen my game and achieve success on the ATP tour. Recently, I have made some deep runs in tournaments. As you look at the great champions, they not only reach the finals but also clinch titles. They consistently maintain their level throughout the week. I may not be at that level yet, but to perform consistently for one week and secure five consecutive wins in Tokyo is truly special.”

Shelton’s impressive performance in Tokyo will propel him to a career-high ranking of No. 15 in the ATP’s rankings, a significant jump from his starting position at No. 96 this season.

During his breakout season, the young American reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, becoming the youngest American man to advance to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows since Michael Chang in 1992. Shelton also reached the quarterfinals at the Shanghai Masters last week, showcasing his consistent form.

His opponent, Aslan Karatsev, aged 30, aimed to secure his fourth title and first since defeating Andy Murray in Sydney in 2022. However, with 20 unforced errors, the Russian struggled to gain momentum and challenge Shelton in the match.

Jiangxi Open

In an extraordinary comeback, Katerina Siniakova fought back from the brink of defeat to defeat fellow Czech Marie Bouzkova with a score of 1-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) and claim the Jiangxi Open title in China.

After losing the first set and facing a break down in both the second and third sets, Siniakova demonstrated relentless determination as she rallied to win two tiebreaker sets. The three-hour and 33-minute battle resulted in Siniakova’s fifth career title and second of the season, following her triumph in Hamburg in July.

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