Nikoloz Basilashvili defeated Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 in the third round of Masters 1000 qualifying for Roma this Friday. The 34-year-old Georgian tennis player confirmed his relative favoritism against the American, sixth placed in the ATP rankings, in a match played at SuperTennis Arena. The victory marks the advancement of the former world number 16 to the next stage of the competition after four years without reaching this level in an Masters.
The confrontation lasted just over two hours on Italian clay. Basilashvili took advantage of decisive moments to break Shelton’s serve at the right points, while resisting his rival’s reaction in the second set. The Georgian, currently ranked 117th, achieved his ninth victory against a member of the top 10 of his career, only his second since 2022.
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.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 9, 2026
Primeiro set marks home domain of Basilashvili
Basilashvili started the match aggressively and took advantage of the first break opportunity in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. Shelton returned a long ball in the ninth game and conceded the set 6-4 after 39 minutes of play. The Georgian showed impressive service numbers, winning 79% of points when serving first and committing just two double faults in the entire match.
The American, known for his powerful serve, faced difficulties imposing his pace on the clay in the Italian capital. Basilashvili maintained consistency in the long rallies and took advantage of the converted break to consolidate the initial advantage.
- Basilashvili converted 1 of 2 break points in the first set.
- Shelton saved 50% of the failure chances faced.
- The Georgian recorded a 79% success rate on his first serve.
Tiebreak evens up the dispute in the second set
Shelton reacted in the second set and balanced the match with solid defense. The American saved multiple break points and forced a tiebreaker, which decided the installment 7-5 after Basilashvili’s error at the net. The set lasted 57 minutes and neither player managed to break their rival’s serve until the tiebreak.
The American won more points when serving, but the Georgian maintained his consistency in prolonged rallies. The equality in the set reflected the momentary balance between the competitors, with Shelton seeking to recover after the unfavorable first set.
Basilashvili closes out victory in the third set
The Georgian returned strongly in the third set and broke Shelton in the third game, taking a 3-1 lead. The American tried to react, but Basilashvili solidly confirmed his services and maintained the advantage until the end. In the ninth game, the Georgian closed out the victory with an ace, ending the match with 6-3 in the decisive set.
Basilashvili celebrated discreetly at the end of the decisive point. Sua’s performance in the third set demonstrated mental recovery after the lost tiebreak, with the Georgian imposing his game and not allowing his rival to react.
Números reveal decisive use
Basilashvili finished with 18 aces to Shelton’s 12. The Georgian won 53% of the points on the second serve, a higher percentage than the American. Embora the total points remained balanced, the use of service breaks was decisive for the victory. The Georgian committed just two double faults in the entire match, demonstrating exceptional control on his serve.
Retorno to Masters after four years
With the result, Basilashvili reaches the third round of an Masters for the first time since 2022. The Georgian tennis player will face the winner of the clash between other competitors following the qualifying. Shelton, who was in a good phase this season, found greater resistance on clay and 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, serving as an important preparation for Roland Garros.
