Basilashvili beats Shelton in three sets and advances to the 64 stage of the Rome Masters

Nikoloz Basilashvili beat Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. The 34-year-old Georgian advanced to the third round of Masters 1000 qualifying from Roma this Friday. Shelton, sixth in the ATP rankings, was the big favorite in the match.

The match lasted just over two hours on the clay court at SuperTennis Arena. Basilashvili broke the American’s serve at the right time and resisted the reaction in the second set.

Basilashvili d. Ben Shelton 6-4 6-7 6-3 in Rome

Qualifier Nikoloz reaches the 3rd round of a Masters event for the first time since 2022

Former world No. 16, now sitting at #117

This is also only his 2nd top 10 win since 2022.

✅9th top 10 win

Big upset.

🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/bukLbQb9Mw

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 9, 2026

Basilashvili dominates the first set

The Georgian started aggressively. Ele took advantage of the first break point in the fourth game and took a 3-1 lead. Shelton returned a long ball in the ninth game and took the set 6-4 after 39 minutes.

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Basilashvili won 79% of the points on the first serve. Ele only missed two double faults in the entire game. The American, known for his powerful serve, had difficulty imposing the initial pace on the Italian clay.

• Basilashvili converted 1 of 2 break points
• Shelton saved 50% of the failure chances faced
• The Georgian led in total points in the opening set

Tiebreak decides the second set

Shelton balanced the match in the second set. Ele saved break points and forced a tiebreak. The American closed the tiebreaker 7-5 after Basilashvili made an error at the net.

The set lasted 57 minutes. Shelton won more points on serve, but the Georgian maintained consistency in long rallies. Nenhum of the two conceded breaks until the end of the set.

Decisão in the third set

Basilashvili came back strong in the third set. Ele broke Shelton in the third game and took a 3-1 lead. The American tried to react, but the Georgian solidly confirmed his own services.

In the ninth game, Basilashvili closed the victory with an ace. Ele celebrated discreetly at the end of the decisive point. The match ended 6-3 in the final set.

Clash Estatísticas

Basilashvili finished with 18 aces to Shelton’s 12. The Georgian won 53% of the points on the second serve, a higher number than his rival. In total points, the score was balanced, but the use of breaks decided.

The former world number 16 recorded his ninth career victory against a top 10 player. Esta was only the second since 2022. Basilashvili currently occupies the 117th position in the ranking.

Avanço unreleased since 2022

With the result, Basilashvili reaches the third round of an Masters for the first time in four years. Ele will face the winner of the clash between other tennis players following the qualifying.

Shelton was in a good phase this season, but encountered greater resistance on clay. The American is now looking to adjust his game for the next stages of the European slow court tour.

Masters of Roma continues with other qualifying and main draw games throughout the weekend. The tournament serves as important preparation for Roland Garros.