Showtime Shelton shines under the Indian Wells lights to win thriller

Showtime Shelton was at it again Sunday evening in Indian Wells.

Ben Shelton, who has quickly established himself as one of the most entertaining players on the ATP Tour, battled past 22nd seed Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-6(5) to reach the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

“Definitely a crazy match tonight. I heard the curfew was early here in Palm Springs,” Shelton said in his on-court interview. “But you guys showed out tonight, so thanks everyone for staying, I know me and Fran really appreciate it.”

Never say die 🕵️‍♂️@BenShelton | @BNPPARIBASOPEN | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/IIPJQ0T6lM

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The big-serving 16th seed only hit six aces, but he delivered in crunch time to advance after two hours and 43 minutes. The lefty will next face Jannik Sinner, who has not lost a match this season.

Cerundolo, who likes to dictate play with his forehand, saved nine of the break points he faced according to Infosys ATP Stats. But Shelton was cool under pressure in both tie-breaks. He credited his box for helping him keep his nerves in check when it mattered most.

“A lot of help from my box over there keeping me calm after losing the second set,” Shelton said. “Definitely took a lot out of me tonight. It's just one of those atmospheres you love playing in. There's people screaming for me. There's people screaming for Fran...

“It's all love guys. I know you guys were screaming at me, but hopefully we can still be friends!”

Shelton and Sinner have split their first two Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings, both of which came last year. The American clawed through a final-set tie-break in Shanghai before the Italian earned his revenge in straight sets in Vienna.

But Shelton will be keen to take on the challenge of bringing Sinner’s 17-match winning streak to an end. When asked to look ahead to the match, from which a quarter-finalist will emerge, he was succinct.

"Let's get it!"