Australian Open 2024: Ben Shelton overcomes Christopher O'Connell, Caroline Garcia knocked out in round 2

American tennis star Ben Shelton marched on to round 3 of the 2024 Australian Open after defeating Australia’s Christopher O'Connell, while Caroline Garcia bowed out after losing against Poland’s Magdalena Frech.

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Shelton defeated O'Connell 6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 in the second round of the Australian Open at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne.

Shelton, who looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory having won the first two sets. However, his Australian opponent pulled back a set and pushed the American to the limit in the fourth set.

Shelton relied heavily on his strong serve, registering 17 aces compared to O'Connell's nine. The American also won 4 of his 11 break points, while winning 133 points compared to O'Connell's 114.

Speaking after his win, Shelton thanked the crowd for the fiery atmosphere they created, saying they made things fun.

“It’s a fiery atmosphere. Whether they’re for you or against you they make things fun. Sometimes they’re screaming my name. Maybe every once in a while they’re booing me. I love being out here. I think college tennis has somewhat of a hostile environment. This is much less hostile but they definitely have the rowdiness,” said Shelton during the on-court interview.

CAROLINE GARCIA KNOCKED OUT

Meanwhile, world number 16 Garcia was knocked out of the Australian Open following a straight sets loss against Frech. The Polish tennis star beat Garcia 6-4, 7-6, winning four of her 11 break points.

Garcia had defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the first round but couldn't get past Frech in Melbourne.

Frech won a total of 91 points compared to Garcia's 85, while clinching 55 service points, nine more than her French opponent.

Following her win over Garcia, Frech will take on Anastasia Zakharova of Russia in round 3. Zakharova had defeated Kaja Juvan of Slovenia in the second round.