Shelton lauds 'inspiration' Tiafoe after beating defending champion to claim Houston title

Ben Shelton won his second career ATP title when he defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-5 4-6 6-3 in the US Men’s Clay Court Championship final on Sunday.

The pair met in Houston, Texas, as Tiafoe looked to retain his status as champion, having won the tournament in 2023.

However, the 21-year-old was in impressive form as he looked to have overcome his struggles on clay.

Shelton came into the tournament with five consecutive defeats on the surface, but he triumphed to add to his Japan Open title won last year.

The 21-year-old became the youngest winner since a 19-year-old Andy Roddick in 2002, and he was able to use his powerful serve to send down 11 aces for a win secured over two hours and 16 minutes.

The victory will lift Shelton to No. 14 in the men’s world rankings, one place behind top-ranked US player, Taylor Fritz.

“Great week Foe. Great job to you and your team,” Shelton said to Tiafoe after his win on court.

“I know this one stings, sorry you didn’t go back-to-back titles, but you’re that type of player who can go back to back. I want to see you do it again this year, hopefully in Stuttgart.”

He added: “You’ve been such an inspiration to kids, people of colour in our sport, just an amazing representation.

“You’ve been that guy to always put on for us and always be selfless, thinking about others, kids younger than you. So thanks for everything that you do for our sport and people who look like you and me.”

Tiafoe made light of his defeat, saying: “It’s been a really tough year and playing a final has been really great. It sucks we couldn’t get it done. Screw you Ben!

“It would have been cool to get number four. We’ll get that soon enough. Let’s really build on this and let’s have a good ’24.”