A growingly confident Ben Shelton says his game features elements that aren’t usually seen ‘in a normal tennis match’ which could help him in his upcoming clash against Novak Djokovic at the US Open.
Shelton, who is playing in a Grand Slam main draw for the fifth time in his career, stunned 10th seed Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-2, in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday. He has become the youngest American man to reach the last four in New York since Michael Chang in 1992 and is only the sixth in the Open Era to have won 10 or more Grand Slam matches before the age of 21. Even more extraordinary is that this is the first time Shelton has reached the semi-final of any ATP event.
“I think the fitness has definitely improved a lot but I think the mental has improved more than the physical,” the world No.47 said of the improvements in his game compared to the start of the season.
“I’ve definitely made some strides physically being out on tour a full year and playing a lot of matches and just being on the court more, working hard in the gym. My fitness levels have surely improved.”
The rising star has previously proven his credentials at major events with a run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in January. However, after that breakthrough, he failed to reproduce such form on the Tour. Shelton has failed to win back-to-back matches at 16 consecutive ATP Tour events before ending that streak at the US Open.
Despite his mixed results in recent months, the American is confident that he can be a stern test for world No.2 Djokovic when they clash in the semi-finals on Friday. Djokovic booked a place in his 47th major semi-final with a straight-sets win over Taylor Fritz. It will be the first meeting between the two players who Shelton believes could play into his hands.
“Whenever you play somebody for the first time and someone who has been in this situation so many times and comes out victorious so many times, that’s in the back of your head.” He said of the Serbian.
“I also think that it’s an advantage with my game style playing someone who’s never played me before. I can bring some things to the table that maybe you don’t see in your normal match that you play on the ATP Tour.’
“So I’m going to try to bring some things to the table that are different and hopefully disruptive on Friday.”
Aiming to play the role of a disruptor, Shelton has only scored two wins over top 10 players so far in his career with those of those being against Tiafoe. He has also previously beaten Casper Ruud at the 2022 Cincinnati Masters.
“I have been enjoying every minute on court, interactions with the crowds and just the tennis that’s being played. So I hope that I can bring a high level again on Friday.” He said.
Djokovic, who is chasing after a 24th major title, has previously described his upcoming opponent as a ‘great example’ of a player entering the professional Tour via the college system. Shelton won the NCAA team title in 2021 before claiming the singles title a year later. Overall he produced a 65-10 singles record in 2 seasons for the University of Florida.
“Ben Shelton has been serving some bombs this tournament. When his serve is on, he’s a very difficult player to play against, especially because he’s lefty, as well.” Djokovic commented.
Shelton has won 66 out of 77 service games played so far at this year’s US Open.
