Shelton falls to Virtanen as Fritz and de Minaur advance
Ben Shelton was eliminated from the tournament after a straight‑sets defeat to Finland’s Otto Virtanen, who advanced to the next round with a decisive win. Shelton’s loss came in a match that highlighted Virtanen’s aggressive baseline play and strong service games, which outmatched the American’s attempts to find rhythm.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s top seeds continued their momentum. Taylor Fritz secured a comfortable victory in straight sets, reinforcing his position as a favorite for the title, while Australian Alex de Minaur also advanced with a clean win, both matches underscoring their consistent form and readiness for the later stages of the competition.
With Shelton’s exit and the two leading players moving forward, the draw is set to become increasingly competitive. The tournament organizers and fans alike will be watching closely as Fritz and de Minaur aim to capitalize on their momentum and vie for the championship.