Ben Shelton talks of taking Rafael Nadal’s inspiration while not being a ‘Showman’ like Nick Kyrgios or Gael Monfils
Ben Shelton takes inspiration from Rafael Nadal and denies to play the trick shots like Monfils and Kyrgios
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Monfils, Shelton, and Kyrgios
Despite it only being March, Ben Shelton has already experienced a breakthrough year. Prior to the Australian Open, the 20-year-old had never competed outside of the United States. However, he made it to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open in his first international outing, only to lose to fellow American Tommy Paul. Currently, the young athlete is gearing up for his debut appearance at Indian Wells.
He recently spoke to Eurosport’s Player’s Voice, he talked about his targets for the rest of the season and was willing to compete at the highest level. He also took a dig at Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils for their trick shots. Shelton lost to his compatriot, Taylor Fritz in the second round of the Indian Wells in three sets.
Shelton said, “I like to have fun when I play tennis. I wouldn’t be out here if I wasn’t having fun doing it, and that is one of the things that really helps me. I think getting the crowd behind me is something that really ignites me, or having a crowd against me can also get me going. So being able to have that interaction is important to me.”
He further added, “Nick Kyrgios or Gael Monfils are not references for me in this respect. I don’t think I am trying to be a showman. I’m not out there to try to be this ‘showy guy’ who is doing trick shots. I’m really focused on my tennis and trying to compete at the highest level. So I would say the guy in that aspect that I looked up to was Rafael Nadal. Even though we have different ways of expressing ourselves on court.”
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Ben Shelton aims to play against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
In the most recent Players’ Voice, Shelton reveals that he no longer feels like a mere spectator at top events. He also shares advice from his father, expresses his eagerness to compete against tennis legends such as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and discusses his aspirations for the future, which include a shot at the Olympics.
He said, “I think I’m pretty professional. I’m trying to stay pretty locked in. I’ve been at a pretty good number of tournaments with these guys – and now when I am not playing, I am not a tourist when I am at these tournaments. I would like to face Rafa or maybe Novak this year.”
Shelton has risen quickly in the rankings and as a player too. He had a good 2023 so far reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Although he has not won any tournaments per se but has shown a lot of promise for the future.
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Santhosh Tenneti
(308 Articles Published)