The 24-year-old qualifier, who starred at the University of South Carolina before turning pro, hadn’t dropped a set through four matches that included his first two tour-level victories.
Shelton forced a decisive tie-break after staving off three match points. He continued to ask the question when three more went unconverted by Jubb with 6-4 and 7-6 leads.
It was then the Brit’s turn to deny Shelton after the left-hander reached a match point of his own thanks to a crafty backhand drop shot winner. Locating a clutch first serve, Jubb was rewarded when Shelton framed his return. Two points later, Jubb clinched his first Top 20 win as Shelton misfired on a forehand to end the encounter after two hours and 44 minutes.
“This is obviously huge for me. Last year was so tough, injured most of the year,” he reflected. “I’ve been working very, very hard to get back to this point. This is kind of one of those visions you’ve had in your mind for a long time, being on these stages at these tournaments. This is what I’ve been working for, so a bit of relief that I’m here and I’ve done it.”
