Ruud makes timely exit from Australian Open as Shelton storms into last eight

"Ruud told the Guardian last week: She's due later in the tournament, so we'll see. It's not until the final weekend of the tournament, the due date. It's not a guarantee that you'll make it there but you never know, she can come earlier. If I get the call, if she goes into labour I'll jump on the first flight home for sure."

"Although Ruud was solid in the first three rounds and his opening set against Shelton, the seventh seed, he was completely outplayed by the American in the final three sets of their match. Once Shelton's devastating serve kicked into gear, the 23-year-old played with freedom, winning an incredible 29 of his 30 net points in the match and returning uncharacteristically well."

Ben Shelton defeated Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Ruud, the 12th seed, had one eye on events at home because his wife, Maria, is heavily pregnant and due this weekend. Ruud had repeatedly said he would withdraw and fly home immediately if she went into labour. Ruud was solid in the first three rounds and won the opening set, but he was outplayed across the final three sets as Shelton's serve dominated. Shelton won 29 of 30 net points and returned unusually well. The top six seeds in both draws reached the quarter-finals for the first time in the Open era, and two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner also reached the last eight despite cramping in the heat.

Read at www.theguardian.com