Jakub Mensik sends Ben Shelton packing in 68 minutes

Jakub Mensik will compete in the last 16 at the Madrid Masters. The young Czech ousted the 12th seed Ben Shelton 6-1, 6-4 in 68 minutes, joining an impressive list of teenagers who have played in the last 16 at this event. 

Shelton played for the Munich title last week. He could not repeat that run and pass the opening week in Madrid. He struggled in the opening set against the Miami Open champion before raising his level in the second. 

Still, Jakub provided a late break to seal the deal and wrap up a flawless performance in under 70 minutes. A teenager will face Alexander Bublik in the fourth round after the Kazakh’s victory over the defending champion Andrey Rublev.

Rock solid 💪@mensik_jakub_ cruises past Shelton 6-1 6-4 & moves to 5-0 against Top 20 players this year!#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/kon0fxznTK

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 27, 2025

Jakub clinched 16 points more than Ben. The younger player dominated with his first serve, taking 26 of 28 points and keeping his second serve safe to avoid break points. Shelton felt the pressure and stood no chance after landing in only 47% of the first serve. 

The American dropped 46% of the points in his games and offered his opponent nine break chances. He experienced four breaks and ended his campaign in the third round. Jakub tamed his strokes nicely and landed 19 winners and 13 unforced errors. 

Shelton hit 11 direct points and 19 mistakes, mostly from his forehand.  The American did not feel at his best, calling for a medical timeout after the opening set and taking a pill. He performed better in set number two but had no chance to prolong it.

Mensik forged a 22-18 advantage in service winners and provided a 26-17 one from the baseline. They served well in the opening two games of the duel. The Czech held in the second with a forehand down the line winner and stepped in on the return in the next one.

Ben denied two break points and wasted a game…