Rohan Bopanna/Ben Shelton Pull Off a Thrilling Comeback to Reach QF at Monte-Carlo Masters
Rohan Bopanna and Ben Shelton have stormed into the quarterfinals of the prestigious Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 1000, showing grit and experience in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter.
Facing the formidable World No. 3 Italian duo Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, the Indo-American pair had a rocky start. The Italians were clinical in the opening set, not giving Bopanna/Shelton a chance to settle and wrapping it up 6-2.
The second set saw the Italians leading 4-1, and it looked like curtains for Bopanna and Shelton. But the duo dug deep, showcasing composure and quality under pressure to script a stunning turnaround. They clawed back to 6-6, forcing a tiebreak.
In the tiebreak, Bopanna and Shelton took charge early and maintained their edge, winning it 7-6(4) to push the match into a super tiebreak.
The momentum was with them as they began the decider with a 4-0 lead. Although Bolelli/Vavassori fought back to level at 6-6, the Indo-American team shifted gears once again and closed out the match with a 10-7 win.
This marks Bopanna’s 6th quarterfinal appearance at the Monte-Carlo Masters. He famously lifted the title here in 2017 and will now be eyeing another deep run in the tournament.
Quarterfinal Opponents:
They will face the winners of the match between Romain Arneodo/Manuel Guinard and Jack Draper/Tomas Machac.
Results so far:
🔹 R32: Bopanna/Shelton def. Cerundolo/Tabilo – 6-3, 7-5
🔹 R16: Bopanna/Shelton def. Bolelli/Vavassori – 2-6, 7-6(4), [10-7]
