Tien faced one of the strongest servers in tennis, but the Californian's serving performance proved decisive. Tien hit 15 aces compared to Shelton's 8 and won 82% (58/71) of his first serve points.

Shelton was not in peak physical condition, which made him struggle in his opening win against Reilly Opelka. However, the world number eight still fought to create a dramatic match on center court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Nevertheless, the eighth seed gradually ran out of energy in the final set, especially after Tien secured the only break of the third set in the sixth game.

"It feels great," Tien said after securing his spot in the round of 16 at the Masters 1000 event on home soil. "Ben came out not feeling 100%. I think he hasn't been feeling great all week, but he's a great competitor and still came out and fought hard. I'm extremely happy to be in the fourth round, especially here."

With the victory lasting two hours and 10 minutes, Tien improved his head-to-head record against Shelton to 2-0, having also defeated his compatriot on grass in Mallorca last year. The Next Gen ATP Finals champion climbed four spots to world number 23 in the ATP rankings after reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells, where he will face 18th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Tien hits a forehand during his match against Shelton on center court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California, United States, on 8/3. Photo: Reuters

In another match, Alexander Zverev overcame a tough challenge from Brandon Nakashima to become the first player to achieve 100 wins at Masters 1000 events this decade.

The fourth seed won 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4, extending his head-to-head record against Nakashima to 6-0. The 28-year-old German secured a decisive break in the final game of the match to advance to the fourth round, where he will meet 21st seed Frances Tiafoe.

A two-time quarterfinalist at Indian Wells, Zverev could complete his collection of semifinal appearances at all nine Masters 1000 events if he reaches the top four in California this week.

Also on center court, Jannik Sinner defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2 and continued his quest for a maiden Indian Wells title. Sinner, who reached the Indian Wells semifinals in 2023 and 2024, has advanced to the fourth round in all five of his appearances at the tournament. His next opponent will be either Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca or Tommy Paul.

With his 96th ATP Masters 1000 victory, Sinner equaled the record for most wins at this level with his Italian compatriot Fabio Fognini, who retired last year. The 24-year-old is also aiming to complete his collection of titles at all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court events.

Sinner lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinals in both 2023 and 2024. The duo could meet again at the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season if both reach the final.

Vy Anh