Tiafoe defeats Shelton in all-American clash to wrap up Day 1 at UTS Los Angeles

It was the match all of the UTS Los Angeles crowd were waiting for, with an all-American clash between Frances “Big Foe” Tiafoe and Ben “The Mountain” Shelton. And it didn’t disappoint. Just three points in, the pair played an outrageous rally, with Big Foe striking a cool dropshot, which The Mountain returned behind the back, only for Tiafoe to spike into the court, and Shelton almost chase it down.

With such youthful enthusiasm, athleticism and natural entertainment on display, the rest of the match continued in a similar fashion.

Midway through the first quarter, the LA fire department were put on notice when Shelton blazed an incredible 104 mph forehand cross court. Tiafoe isn’t one to be outdone, however, crushing his own passing shot to defuse The Mountain’s three point bonus card.

It was The Mountain who had the finishing touch in Los Angeles, claiming the first quarter in this All American clash: 13-7.

“He played probably the best he’s ever played in his life,” explained Big Foe after losing the first quarter.

Big Foe brings big intensity

In the second quarter, Big Foe upped the intensity noticeably. Mixing up aces, passing shots and beautiful soft hands, Tiafoe raced out to 12-5 and threatened to square the match at 1-1.

Heading into quarter point at 15-8, Big Foe needed just one point to skid a serve in off the net for an ace to claim the quarter.

“See what happens when you make him think?” Big Foe’s coach stressed mid-match.

When asked where he gets his energy from, The Mountain replied, “I don’t know, man, I guess I’m just built that way.

“I’m playing with no pressure, though, he’s got everything to lose.”

Banter on point between quarters

Quarter three saw more incredible rallies, as Big Foe continued his plan of making Shelton think by opting for a lot of net play.

The Mountain played his part, however, using his bonus card at 10-7 to draw level in the quarter. It was a case of ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ for Big Foe, with the 25-year-old also winning his bonus card to take a three-point lead into quarter point.

A running passing shot up the line saw Shelton draw closer, before he fell agonisingly close at 15-13.

“His head’s gone,” declared Big Foe between quarters, within earshot of The Mountain.

Shelton fired back immediately, asking the commentators if they could explain what Tiafoe was saying: “He’s talking about me, but he’s mumbling.”

Ohhhh yes he did 🤩

Ridiculous shotmaking from the Mountain at #UTS! @BenShelton @UTShowdown pic.twitter.com/2PBjMQaFcU

— UTS 🎾 – LA (21-23 July), Frankfurt (15-17 Sept) (@UTShowdown) July 22, 2023

Sizzling Shelton reels off highlight after highlight

Shelton entered third quarter like a player needing to win, playing a deft lob at 3-1, followed by a crushing groundstroke at 4-1. The confidence won The Mountain a 7-1 lead, taking some magic at the net from Big Foe to stem the bleeding.

Undeniably the point of the match, possibly the day, came when Tiafoe struck a net cord at 10-8. The ball sat up for The Mountain to drop shot, which Big Foe managed to chase down and smash straight at Shelton. The American yet again worked his magic, squatting down behind his racquet to send the ball flying into the open court. Racing to the other side of the net to let Tiafoe know about his shot, this was all Shelton needed to grab enough momentum and win the quarter.

This can't be real 🤣

A MIRACLE FROM THE MOUNTAIN at #UTS

We are not worthy, @BenShelton 🙌 pic.twitter.com/H18eVqR0tM

— UTS 🎾 – LA (21-23 July), Frankfurt (15-17 Sept) (@UTShowdown) July 22, 2023

With yet another sudden death at UTS Los Angeles, the match was poised in the balance.

“95% instinct, 5% luck,” stated The Mountain to describe his game style ahead of the sudden death encounter. Unfortunately, it was the 5% that didn’t go his way at the death, with Big Foe winning consecutive points after Shelton fluffed an overhead slam.

“Some guys just can’t perform when them lights are bright,” Tiafoe declared to sum up the match.

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