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Big-serving Ben Shelton blew away fellow American Tommy Paul to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old from Atlanta fired down two 149mph serves in one game on his way to a 6-4 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory at Flushing Meadows.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it was straight adrenaline,\u201d he said. \u201cIn any other atmosphere I don\u2019t think I could get it done. I think my arm would fall off, but it\u2019s feeling good right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The record fastest serve at the US Open is still held by Andy Roddick, who hit a 152mph thunderbolt on his way to the title in 2003 \u2013 the last time an American man won their home slam.<\/p>\n
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It was sweet revenge for Shelton, who was knocked out by Paul at the same stage of the Australian Open in January.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI really learned how to be mentally tough. When I was playing in Australia after a long week, I was looking at my box saying \u2018my legs are dead, I\u2019m tired, I can\u2019t go anymore\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realised how important it is to believe in myself, believe that I can go all the way, the full distance emotionally and physically and now I have that belief here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shelton will play 10th seed Frances Tiafoe, guaranteeing an American man in the semi-finals.<\/p>\n
Tiafoe beat Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata in straight sets, 6-4 6-1 6-4.<\/p>\n