Sinner overpowers Shelton to reach Wimbledon quarters

LONDON :World number one Jannik Sinner quelled the challenge of big-serving 14th seed Ben Shelton with a 6-2 6-4 7-6(9) victory on Sunday to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the third successive year.

Victory also meant Sinner has made at least the last eight in every tournament he has played in this year, improving his impressive win-loss record to 42-3.

He came under early pressure as Shelton, who has sent down rockets on the slick turf at the Grand Slam this year, started aggressively under the Court One roof by serving and volleying in a bid to unsettle the Australian Open champion.

Sinner was equal to the task, however, and broke the feisty American twice to comfortably pocket the opening set.

"I'm happy with how I returned today. I think that for sure was one of the keys," said Sinner.

"I feel that at important moments in each game, in each match, I try to put full effort. I feel like this sometimes can make the difference.

"Obviously you need courage to go for certain shots. I'm pushing myself to do that. Sometimes you can miss the shot; sometimes it's the right decision."

The Italian consolidated an early break in the second set with a booming ace and pulled away for a two-set advantage, as Shelton was left with another battle on his hands having been dragged the distance in each of his last three rounds.

The 21-year-old raised the hopes of fans by breezing ahead 4-1 in the third set but Sinner ran his opponent ragged with his power and precision to draw level after eight games.

Sinner then delighted the crowd that included his "Carota Boys" travelling fan group with a superb forward-facing 'tweener half-volley before making it 5-5.

"I'm not the kind of player to have a lot of trick shots," Sinner said. "But in this