"Been in situations lot crazier than people walking with drinks back, Honey Deuce" - Ben Shelton on being unaffected by US Open crowd after new rules
Thirteenth seed Ben Shelton was one of the first victors at the 2024 US Open. The local favorite beat former champion Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 on Monday (August 26) to move into the second round.
The win was also one of the first under the new rules that relaxed the crowd movement in between points, but Shelton, for one, remained unaffected.
Addressing the new rules in post-match press conference, Shelton said while he did notice some extra crowd movement during the match, it did not affect him all that much.
Having played college tennis, the American said he had seen things that were “crazier” than a few people moving around in the stands with drinks in their hands.
"I noticed it, but once the point starts, I don't notice it," Ben Shelton said. "I guess with college tennis I've played, you know, this UTS Tour, as well, there's a lot of situations where I've been in that's a lot crazier than a couple of people walking with drinks back to their seat, Honey Deuces."
Shelton conceded that while it’s understandable for someone to be annoyed by excessive movement in the stands during points, it did not bother him personally.
"I don't really mind it. I'm sure some players will be annoyed with it this week and maybe stop playing or hold up as long as they can. Yeah, I don't really care," he added.
"I thought it was a good start, good performance" - Ben Shelton after US Open R1 win
Ben Shelton also reflected on his opening-round performance at the US Open, dubbing it a “good start”. He said there was no part of his game that he was unhappy with before expressing satisfaction with the way he was serving.
He acknowledged the early-round jitters that come with playing at a Grand Slam, adding that there wasn’t much to complain about as long as you get through.
"Yeah, I thought it was a good start, good performance from me today," Ben Shelton said. "There wasn't really a category that I was unhappy with. I thought I served extremely well today."
"Did a good job dictating play with my forehand, the best I hit my forehand for a while. I was 24 for 28 at the net," he added. "Can't complain with how starts go at a Grand Slam."
Shelton will next take on Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round. The Spaniard came through his opening match against Luca Nardi in straight sets as well.