Ben Shelton closing in on top ten ranking following latest Indian Wells victory

Ben Shelton closing in on top ten ranking following latest Indian Wells victory

Ben Shelton became the youngest American quarter-finalist in Indian Wells since 2004 as he saw off Brandon Nakashima 7-6(6), 6-1 to reach his third ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.

The power-packed game of Shelton has been too hot to handle for his opponents in the opening rounds in Indian Wells and now he has secured a big rankings boost after his latest win.

Shelton's progress in the Californian desert has seen him climb to No. 12 in the live ATP Rankings, which would equal a career-high for the 22-year-old.

If he was to go all the way and win the Indian Wells Masters, Shelton would be assured of a place in the top 10 of the updated rankings for the first time in his career.

A run to the final may also be good enough to see him break into the top 10, with his confidence rising in a season that also saw him make an appearance in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

"For me the second set was outstanding. Whenever you can get a two break win in a set against a server like him is really encouraging for where my level is at," said Shelton.

"I am pleased with my performance today. I think there are things I am trying to add into my game each week and I am trying to implement them this week.

"Sometimes things don't work all the time. I make execution errors. I feel my intent has been really good this week and that has been a huge part of my success."

"I feel confident. It is a big goal for me to keep improving and keep going deeper in the big events.

"I had some success at Slams and Masters are a big goal for me this year because they are so many throughout the year and high stakes. I am pleased to be in another quarter-final but I am searching for more."

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