The incredible sequence unfolded during Shelton's second-set service game against Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante on Court Simonne-Mathieu. With Shelton serving at 3-0, 15-0, Gigante returned a looped serve. Shelton, positioned behind the baseline, struck a forehand but lost his footing in the process, sending him tumbling onto his stomach. In an astonishing display of determination, he somehow managed to propel himself a few centimeters forward and, extending his left arm, expertly flicked the ball back over the net.
The point wasn't over yet. Shelton, with incredible agility, immediately scrambled to his feet. He then met Gigante's powerful forehand return with a well-placed two-handed backhand that landed close to the Italian's feet. This forced Gigante to attempt a volley, which unfortunately for him, struck the net, awarding the point to Shelton. The sportsmanship of the moment was highlighted as Gigante, seeing Shelton rush to the net, offered a friendly hand check in recognition of the incredible play.
Shelton, ever the character, later light-heartedly downplayed the heroics of his shot, attributing it to a momentary lapse in his clay-court movement. "It was because of my lack of good clay court movement I fell on my face, and so that’s why I hit the ball from the ground,” he quipped. He then clarified, “I wish I could say I dove for that, but I had already fell on my face before the ball was arriving.” His candidness added another layer of charm to an already memorable moment.
Shelton ultimately secured a comfortable third-round victory over Gigante, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. However, his post-match experience proved to be unexpectedly eventful. As he prepared for his on-court interview, a small but persistent intruder caused a momentary distraction. "Sorry, there was a bee on me," he sheepishly announced. The bee, seemingly undeterred, made a return appearance moments later, prompting Shelton to playfully ready his fists as if preparing to box with the buzzing insect. It was a lighthearted end to a match that showcased not only Shelton's burgeoning talent but also his engaging personality.