The power-packed game of Shelton has been too hot to handle for his opponents in the opening rounds in Indian Wells and now he has secured a big rankings boost after his latest win.

Shelton's progress in the Californian desert has seen him climb to No. 12 in the live ATP Rankings, which would equal a career-high for the 22-year-old.

If he was to go all the way and win the Indian Wells Masters, Shelton would be assured of a place in the top 10 of the updated rankings for the first time in his career.

A run to the final may also be good enough to see him break into the top 10, with his confidence rising in a season that also saw him make an appearance in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

"For me the second set was outstanding. Whenever you can get a two break win in a set against a server like him is really encouraging for where my level is at," said Shelton.

"I am pleased with my performance today. I think there are things I am trying to add into my game each week and I am trying to implement them this week.

"Sometimes things don't work all the time. I make execution errors. I feel my intent has been really good this week and that has been a huge part of my success."

"I feel confident. It is a big goal for me to keep improving and keep going deeper in the big events.

"I had some success at Slams and Masters are a big goal for me this year because they are so many throughout the year and high stakes. I am pleased to be in another quarter-final but I am searching for more."

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