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Ben Shelton defeats Martin Damm in rain-delayed Washington Open first round

Ben Shelton defeated Martin Damm 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 at the Washington Open in a rain-interrupted first-round match on Tuesday.

Asude Karataş • 31 Temmuz 2026 02:00 • 3 dk okuma • 5 görüntülenme

Second-seeded Ben Shelton advanced through the first round of the Washington Open on Tuesday, defeating American qualifier Martin Damm 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a match interrupted by more than two hours of rain. The left-hander faced a significant test after play resumed, as his opponent stormed back into contention, but Shelton ultimately prevailed to prepare for the approaching US Open hardcourt season.

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Match progression and weather disruption
Tournament context and next challenge

Match progression and weather disruption

Shelton held a commanding position when rain halted proceedings, leading 6-4, 4-3. Upon resumption, Damm shifted momentum decisively. The qualifier held serve, broke on a long forehand winner, and held again to level the match and force a decisive third set. The momentum swing tested Shelton's composure after he had been playing what he considered his best tennis before the delay.

In the final set, the players traded breaks in games three and four before Shelton secured the decisive break at 5-4 with a backhand crosscourt volley winner. The match concluded after two hours and nine minutes of play. Shelton acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining focus through such disruption, stating that losing the second set in that manner was challenging to accept despite his overall performance quality.

Tournament context and next challenge

The 23-year-old world number eight is pursuing his fourth ATP title of the year, having triumphed in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart. Washington serves as a crucial hardcourt preparation event before the US Open. Shelton next faces French left-hander Ugo Humbert in the quarterfinal round, continuing what the player views as essential match fitness ahead of the season's final major.

Elsewhere at the tournament, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, aged 46, suffered her twelfth consecutive defeat, losing 6-3, 6-3 to Austria's Anastasia Potapova in the first round. Williams has not secured a WTA match victory since defeating Peyton Stearns at Washington the previous year.

How did the rain delay affect Shelton's performance?+

Shelton led 6-4, 4-3 when rain stopped play for over two hours. Upon resumption, he struggled mentally and tactically, losing the second set 6-4 as his opponent Damm played aggressively. Shelton acknowledged the difficulty of regaining rhythm and focus after such a delay but managed to win the third set decisively.

What is Ben Shelton's ranking and recent title record?+

Shelton is currently ranked world number eight. During the current year, he has won three ATP titles: Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart. The Washington Open victory would represent his potential fourth title of the season.

Who is Shelton's next opponent at Washington?+

Ben Shelton will face French left-hander Ugo Humbert in the quarterfinal round. This match determines advancement toward the later stages of the tournament.

Why does the Washington Open matter for Shelton before the US Open?+

The Washington Open is a hardcourt tournament held immediately before the US Open, which is also played on hardcourt. For Shelton, this event provides essential match practice and rhythm-building on the surface where the season's final major will be contested.

What happened to Venus Williams at the Washington Open?+

Venus Williams, aged 46, lost her first-round match 6-3, 6-3 to Austria's Anastasia Potapova. This marked her twelfth consecutive defeat. Williams has not won a WTA match since defeating Peyton Stearns at Washington the previous year.

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