Ben Shelton registers fastest serve of US Open at 149mph as he defeats Tommy Paul to become the youngest American man to progress to the quarterfinals since Andy Roddick in 2002

Ben Shelton recorded the fastest serve of the US Open at 140mph when he came out on top against Tommy Paul to become the youngest American tennis player to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2002.

The 20-year-old, who made the last eight of the Australian Open earlier this year, dropped the first set of Sunday’s match before emerging victorious from Arthur Ashe Stadium (4-6, 6-3, 6- 4, 6-4).

And despite his great serving skills, the record for the fastest serve at the US Open is still held by Roddick, who hit a 150 mph lightning bolt on his way to the title in 2003 – the last time an American man won his home game .

It was sweet revenge for Shelton, who was knocked out by Paul at the same stage of the Australian Open in January.

“I think it was pure adrenaline,” he said of his two 140 mph service runs. “I don’t think I could pull it off in any other atmosphere. I think my arm would fall off, but it feels good now.”

At 20, Shelton is the youngest American man to reach the last eight of the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2002

“I really learned to be mentally strong. Playing in Australia after a long week, I looked at my box and said, ‘My legs are dead, I’m tired, I can’t anymore’.

“I realized how important it is to believe in myself, to believe that I can go all the way emotionally and physically, and now I have that belief here.”

Trailing by two sets and 4-1 in third, as he stared at the exit, Paul fought back to avoid defeat, but Shelton would not be denied and avenged his four-set loss in Australia.

Paul was cleverly knocked out to take a 3-0 lead, but things only went downhill from there as the big Shelton blasted away.

With swagger and energy, Shelton played six of the next seven games to take the first set, then turned up the pressure with two late breaks in the second to lead 2-0.

Shelton could be joined by another American, Taylor Fritz (No. 9) if he beats Dominic Stricker

Shelton would hole up his opponent at 4-1 in the third inning, but Paul kept on battling, urged loudly by young Brooklyn superfan Eddy, who has been in his corner all week, including his comeback from a two-digit deficit. sets in the third inning. second round.

Paul would use two late breaks to win the third but there would be no turning back against Shelton who remained steadfast and broke his compatriot to take the fourth set and seal the victory.

Shelton flexed his biceps at the crowd after his 16th round victory. He beat his rival with a 75 percent completion of the first grind, destroying 16 aces.

Shelton will face the winner of the match between 10th-seeded Frances Tiafoe and Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata later on Sunday.

Yet another American, ninth-ranked Taylor Fritz, also has a shot at reaching the quarterfinals if he can get past Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker, who knocked out No. 7 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.