Ben Shelton suggests he's got a new shot at Wimbledon this year which is really helping him

Ben Shelton has finally booked his place in the third round at Wimbledon, after finishing his match with Rinky Hijikata on Friday afternoon.

The clash between Shelton and Hijikata was suspended the previous day due to darkness, with the umpire pausing the contest just before the American was about to serve for the match.

In just 70 seconds, the 10th seed came back the next day and won his service game against the Australian to seal the win and reach round three at the All England Club for the second time in his career.

He’ll play lucky loser Marton Fucsovics in his next match, who defeated Gael Monfils over five sets in the second round.

Following his triumph, Shelton, who hasn’t dropped a set at Wimbledon yet, spoke on a part of his game he thinks has come on leaps and bounds.

Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

Ben Shelton pinpoints a part of his game he thinks has improved ‘a lot’

In his post-match press conference, Shelton said: “I think my backhand has improved a lot, especially my ability to deal with pace to the backhand, hitting lower balls off the backhand and being able to put top spin on the backhand sometimes.

“I can hit passing shots, which I used to only really be able to hit the lob off the backhand, I couldn’t pass well off that side.

“I think it’s part of my evolution. It’s not where I want to be yet. No shot in my game is where I want it to be ultimately, and it’s just a work in progress.

“I am always out there competing and trying to figure out the answers, and I like to see my game evolving every day a little bit.”

Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

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Ben Shelton’s flawless start to his Wimbledon campaign

After two consecutive losses on grass at Queen’s and at the Mallorca Championships, Shelton has enjoyed a promising start to Wimbledon this year.

He won his first match in straight sets against Alex Bolt, after emerging victorious in two tiebreaks to pick up the win.

Round Opponent Result Second Round Rinky Hijikata 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 First Round Alex Bolt 6-4, 7-6, 7-6

He then cruised past Hijikata, without being broken throughout the match, while serving up 11 aces against the world number 87.

Should Shelton surpass his best career finish at Wimbledon and reach the quarter-finals, he’ll likely come up against world number one Jannik Sinner.

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