French Open: Ben Shelton bounces back from trouble to fend off Lorenzo Sonego
Ben Shelton survived a big scare in his first-round match of the French Open 2025. On Sunday, May 25, the American defeated Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in a thrilling five-setter at Philippe-Chatrier. The youngster took three and 31 minutes to win the match 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Shelton also avenged his defeat to Lorenzo, who beat him in the first round of the clay court major back in 2023. Earlier this year, Shelton also got the better of Sonego in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open. advertisementAlso Read: Rafael Nadal emotional as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic join French Open tribute
The 22-year-old Shelton said that he was aware of the threat Sonego poses, having already played against him previously in majors. Shelton was also delighted with his maiden appearance on Centre Court at Roland Garros. 'This was a tough one for sure. I played him in the quarters in Australia and I know he is a big-match player, a Grand Slam player and you guys saw some hot shots tonight and some crazy tennis from him,' Shelton said after the match. Marathon. Man.#RolandGarros @BenShelton https://t.co/KaWKAt39jY pic.twitter.com/wbhHQ5zKeX— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025'For me, I thought the crowd was great. It was my first time being out here on Court Philippe-Chatrier, and it will not be one that I forget,' Shelton added. advertisementShelton dominated Sonego with 15 aces and showcased impressive athleticism as he covered the court with agility to overpower his rival. In the second round, Shelton will be up against the winner of the match between Richard Gasquet and qualifier Ugo Blanchet. In other matches, another American, Frances Tiafoe, recorded his 50th win in Grand Slams after beating Roman Safiullin 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in two hours and 23 minutes. On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Tiafoe, who beat Rafael Nadal in the US Open 2022, pulled off 42 minutes to come up trumps. He will next face Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round. Must Watch
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