World No. 8 Ben Shelton delivered another commanding performance at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, defeating Gabriel Diallo 6–3, 6–2 to reach the quarterfinals for the second time in Washington. The match lasted just over an hour, with Shelton showcasing his trademark power and precision.
Serving Power and Clean Execution
Shelton fired 16 aces and struck 28 winners, overwhelming Diallo with aggressive shot-making and relentless pressure. His serve was nearly untouchable, and he kept his error count low with just 7 unforced mistakes. The American didn’t face a single break point throughout the match, maintaining full control from start to finish.
Eyes on the All-American Clash
With this win, Shelton sets up a highly anticipated quarterfinal showdown against Frances Tiafoe. The two friends and rivals are familiar foes, having played memorable matches in the past. Tiafoe, who also advanced with a strong win over Flavio Cobolli, will be looking to even their head-to-head record.
Rising Momentum on Home Soil
Shelton’s run in Washington follows a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon, and he continues to build momentum on hard courts. Seven of his nineteen career quarterfinals have come on American soil, and he’s now guaranteed a new career-high ranking next week.
A Match to Watch
With both players in top form and the crowd behind them, the upcoming clash between Shelton and Tiafoe promises fireworks. It’s not just a battle for a semifinal spot—it’s a showcase of American tennis at its finest.
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Tiafoe in Washington, ranking, and results in 2025
21 – 20win/loss
11
High
10
27 year old
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Ranked no.11, Frances has achieved a compiled 20-15 record in 2025. Tiafoe is playing at the moment in Washington where he overcame the world no.66 Aleksandar Kovacevic 7-5 3-6 6-3 and the world no.18 Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-4.
Frances Tiafoe will compete against the world no.8 Ben Shelton in the quarter. Their record is 2-1 for Shelton.
The American got to the final in Houston (US Men’s Clay Court Championship).
Frances won 4 titles in his career: 2 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Shelton in Washington, ranking, and results in 2025
31 – 17win/loss
8
High
8
22 year old
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Ranked world no.8 (career-high), Shelton has a composed 25-15 record in 2025. The American is currently competing in Washington where he toppled the world no.95 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-3 6-4 and the world no.35 Gabriel Diallo 6-3 6-2.
Ben Shelton will fight against the world no.11 Frances Tiafoe in the quarter. The head to head is 2-1 for Shelton.
Ben got to the final in Munich (BMW Open).
Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton clashed against each other 3 times. Their current record is 2-1 for Shelton.
