Ben Shelton refuses to set a ranking goal for himself, reveals his real ambition for the Tour

Ben Shelton will not be focusing on collecting match points.

Ben Shelton refuses to set a ranking goal for himself, reveals his real ambition for the Tour

Ben Shelton (Image via: Sporting News)

American tennis star Ben Shelton is currently in Shanghai where he is competing for the ongoing Shanghai Masters event. The 21-year-old is playing his first tournament since driving Team World to victory at the Laver Cup, paired with his doubles partner, Francis Tiafoe, at the event. Shelton recently revealed the goal he is striving to achieve at the ongoing Tour.

In his third-round match on Sunday, Shelton beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin in a thrilling three-setter. Although Ben lost the first set, he made a stellar comeback in the subsequent sets, completely thrashing his opponent, who gave the American a tough fight. Shelton emerged as the winner following their face-off, winning the match with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 score.

YouTube video

In the press conference following his victory, Shelton revealed his ambitions for himself from the upcoming tour to the media. “Being in the top 20 is something new for me. I think whenever I try to put a number that I’m trying to reach, it’s almost like putting a ceiling on myself or a limit. I don’t know where want to be in the rankings,” the American revealed who is currently ranked No.20 in the World. Shelton achieved his career-high ranking of World No.19 last month.

“I’m not thinking about that(rankings) as much. A goal for me is showing up to tournaments and competing for titles,” Shelton stated. “So if can get to the place where week in, week out, l’m in the running for winning titles, that’s something that I’d be pleased with,” he said as he revealed his expectations and goals from the Tour.

Explore: Carlos Alcaraz overtakes Andy Roddick for wins at Masters-1000 before 21st birthday, Rafael Nadal holds the top spot with a narrow lead

Ben Shelton celebrates his 21st birthday in Shanghai

America’s rising tennis star, Ben Shelton, celebrated his birthday following his win third-round win over Roman Safiullin the previous day. Seeded 19th at the ongoing Shanghai Masters event, Shelton turned 21 yesterday. He celebrated the occasion in the Chinese city with a cake, along with his father and coach, former tennis player Bryan Shelton.

Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton (Image via: ATP Tour)

Playing his first event since the Laver Cup, Shelton scored victory in two games in Shanghai. He will now face Italian No.1 and China Open winner, Jannik Sinner in his Round of 16 match at the ongoing ATP Masters 1000 event today. Both Shelton as well as Sinner are in great form and their clash is sure to make for an interesting watch.

In case you missed: