Patrick McEnroe picks Ben Shelton as “the guy” to match Carlos Alcaraz and win a Grand Slam title
Patrick McEnroe feels that if Ben Shelton can match Carlos Alcaraz in athleticism and shot-making, he has the potential to win a major title.
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Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz, (In circle) Patrick McEnroe (Images via X/Sky Sports)
Patrick McEnroe has backed Ben Shelton to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title after Andy Roddick did it way back in 2003. Despite Taylor Fritz being the highest-ranked player from the United States and the 26-year-old reaching a Grand Slam final after years, McEnroe believes Shelton is “the guy” to win a major title.
The former American ace drew a comparison between Shelton and World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz. McEnroe even claimed that if Shelton can match the Spaniard in athleticism and shot-making, he has the ability to win a Grand Slam title.
McEnroe, who watched Shelton from close quarters for two years while working with Team World at the Laver Cup, talked about the 22-year-old’s recent matchup with Alcaraz at the 2024 Laver Cup. The 58-year-old claimed that although Alcaraz won the match in straight sets, Shelton challenged him.
I think Ben Shelton’s got the most upside and even watching him at the Laver Cup, which I’ve been lucky to do for the last two years. Watching him play that match with Alcaraz, he lost in straight sets but in the first 7-8 games, that was like tennis in a different stratosphere…So if he can do it for eight games and match Alcaraz in the athleticism department and the shot-making department then maybe he is the guy.
Patrick McEnroe said about Ben Shelton on Tennis Channel podcast
Shelton lost 4-6, 4-6 to Alcaraz at the Laver Cup. The World No.23 has lost both their matches so far, but McEnroe is still confident in Shelton’s abilities.
Patrick McEnroe feels Ben Shelton is not intimidated by top players
Patrick McEnroe is placing his bet on Ben Shelton because he feels the youngster does not feel intimidated by top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. McEnroe claimed that Shelton has “got the moxie, the belief” and knows where he needs to work.
The tennis expert admitted that Shelton is not as consistent as Taylor Fritz or Tommy Paul. However, McEnroe feels there is enough time for Shelton.
He’s (Ben Shelton) certainly got the moxie, the belief and he’s not intimidated by those guys in a way. I think he realizes what he’s going to have to do to get better but you’re right, he may be the American guy with the most upside. He’s not as consistent at the moment as Fritz, as Tommy Paul but we’ll see how it shakes out.
Patrick McEnroe said
Shelton has a win-loss record of 66-50 so far in his career. He has won only two titles on the tour and has managed one Grand Slam semifinal qualification (at the 2023 US Open). Against the top two, Alcaraz and Sinner, Shelton has managed only one win.
He beat Sinner at the 2023 Shanghai Masters in their first-ever faceoff. Since then, Shelton has lost four matches against the Italian.
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Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)