The only way is up? So hat das bei Ben Shelton At least it looked like he did in his first full season on the ATP tour.
by Jens Huiber
last edited: December 25, 2023, 8:54 a.m
© Getty Images
Ben Shelton with his biggest career trophy in Tokyo
A few days ago Andy Roddick was asked which American, in his opinion, had the best chance of qualifying for the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin. Roddick, the last US boy to win a Grand Slam singles tournament in 2003, didn’t have to think long for his answer: Ben Shelton.
The now 21-year-old left-hander was one of the rising stars of 2023, wintering at position 17 in the ATP charts. And that with “only” 26 match wins. But they came at the right tournaments: First at the Australian Open, where Shelton was able to reach the quarterfinals. After a fairly long dry spell, the US Open made it to the semi-finals. And the first tournament victory on the ATP tour followed in Tokyo in the fall.
Shelton – “Federer could take it anywhere”
For the neutral observer, Shelton offers an exciting offensive game that thrives on his serve and athleticism. As a left-handed player, he is in a slightly privileged position, especially when throwing in. “I try to be unique with my style of play and do things that other players don’t do,” Shelton said on the On Running website. “I copied a few things from Nadal because he is left-handed. But I try to work with my possibilities and be unique.”
Which doesn’t just apply to work on the court. “I get inspiration for my style from different people, other athletes, Instagram,” Shelton continued. “Roger (Federer) is one of those people who can do everything. He could bring it on the court, off the court, at the Met Gala, at Wimbledon.”
Ben Shelton is now starting his second full season on the ATP tour with the pressure of having to defend points, at least in Australia. What helps: hard work. “If it is necessary to work really hard, then I have no problem being the first to arrive at training or the last to leave. I’m ambitious and I want to win, but I have to remind myself that in some things I’m still a long way from where I want to be.”
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2023-12-25 15:16:08
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