Shelton’s heroics bring Laver Cup three-peat within Team World’s reach

Ben Shelton secured three points for Team World with a scintillating 6-7(6) 7-5 10-7 win over Daniil Medvedev on Sunday, putting his side within one win of victory at Laver Cup Berlin 2024.

The world No. 7’s upset win gave the men in red an 11-7 lead over Team Europe heading into the second singles match on Day 3 at Uber Arena.

Earlier on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud earned a much-needed doubles victory by defeating Shelton and Frances Tiafoe 6-2 7-6(6).

“I wanted to redeem myself after this morning,” said Shelton. “Obviously I lost my singles yesterday and I didn’t want to come out of here winless, I thought I was playing too well,” said the 21-year-old.

“I really used my guys on the bench today, and the captain John of course really helped me get over the line,” said the American, referring to seven-time Laver Cup captain John McEnroe.

In the pair’s first-ever meeting, Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, saved two set points before clinching the opening set’s tiebreak.

Despite falling to a 0-40 deficit in the sixth game of the second, a resilient Shelton – competing in his fifth match of the weekend – saved four break points.

“I think for me it was really important to just stay loose in those moments, I know that I’m a great server, I know I can serve, play my way out of tight spots and I did a great job of that,” he said. “When I got a little bit tight at certain points in the second set, I was like, ‘just hit a bomb’,” he grinned.

The world No.17 had his teammates on their feet when he claimed the first break point of the day as Medvedev sent an overhead into the net to give the American a 6-5 lead, which he consolidated to seal the second set.

A fired-up Shelton played a clutch Laver Breaker, helped by his higher-ranked rival who donated points with unforced errors at the net and a wayward backhand to give away the match.

“I’m just glad that we got this win and we’re still fighting to take this title today,” said the powerful left-hander, who made 73% of first serves and struck 27 winners to Medvedev’s 14.

“I’m going to be on that bench going nuts for Foe and Taylor.”

Earlier on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud earned a much-needed doubles victory by defeating Shelton and Frances Tiafoe 6-2 7-6(6). Alexander Zverev and Alcaraz must both win their upcoming singles matches against Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz respectively, if Team Europe is to lift the Laver Cup.

With matches on Sunday worth three points, the first team to reach 13 on the Leaderboard is the Laver Cup champion.