Reflected Monfils in his press conference, “Of course, some day are tougher. Today was one where I think I was already very close from the limit, and I think I passed it, unfortunately. It happens, but I’m still learning, which is good.”
The 19th-seeded Shelton looks to match his best major showing, a semifinal at the 2023 US Open. Earlier that year, Shelton advanced to the last eight Down Under on his first international trip. Fellow unseeded American, Tommy Paul, ultimately ended that run.
This time, the now 22-year-old goes in as the favorite against unseeded Lorenzo Sonego. The Italian halted 19-year-old qualifier Learner Tien’s breakout tournament, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, to achieve his best result on the Grand Slam stage.
Sonego has contested 17 sets thus far in a stretch that’s seen him oust 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka to start, 18-year-old prodigy Joao Fonseca over five sets in the second round, and Frances Tiafoe’s conqueror Fabian Marozsan to reach the second week.
