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Stefan Tonev
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Paul beats Shelton in first all-American quarter-final since 2007
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The 25-year-old reach Grand Slam semis for the first time

Tommy Paul used his experience and consistency to beat Ben Shelton 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a battle of attrition on Rod Laver Arena and reach a maiden Grand Slam semi-final.

The 25-year-old ended his fellow American’s fairytale run at the Australian Open in a clash between two unseeded players – the first all-American quarter-final since Andy Roddick played Mardy Fish in Melbourne in 2007.

Only a year ago, the 20-year-old Shelton was ranked outside the top 500 and was playing for the University of Florida college team.

“This is my first time on this court and in the quarter-finals of a Slam,” Paul said afterwards. “It’s actually Shelton’s first time leaving the States so I think he had a pretty good trip as well.

“Yesterday I was doing a couple of interviews and they were asking how I felt to be in the quarter-finals. I was like ‘semi-finals sounds a little better’ so I’m pumped to be there and obviously really excited for whoever I play on Friday.

“Making it to the second weekend of a Slam is everyone’s dream when they start playing tennis so I can’t believe I’m here right now.”

Paul will face either Serbian nine-time champion Novak Djokovic or Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev for a place in Sunday’s title match.

He also became the first American man into the last four of the Australian Open since Andy Roddick in 2009.

The win put Paul into his first major semi-final on the 14th attempt, with the world number 35’s previous best at Wimbledon last year when he reached the fourth round.