Ben Shelton rues unexpected car trouble and sudden weather change upon return to chilly Florida from Australian Open
Ben Shelton faced unexpected car troubles and a sudden weather change upon returning to chilly Florida after concluding his campaign at the 2025 Australian Open. Shelton had reached the semifinals at the Grand Slam where he lost to eventual champion, Jannik Sinner.
Seeded 21st at the Melbourne Major, Shelton started his campaign by defeating compatriot Brandon Nakashima and then triumphed over Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round. He then overcame 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils and Lorenzo Sonego before losing to top seed Jannik Sinner 6-7(2), 2-6, 2-6 in the semifinals on Friday, January 24.
Following his campaign in Melbourne, Ben Shelton has traveled to his home in Florida. On Sunday, the American took to his Instagram Story and shared that upon his return, he was greeted with cold weather and an unexpected flat tire.
“Welcome back to Florida 40 degreees and a flat tire 😐 🔫 ," Shelton captioned his Instagram story.
![Screen grab of Shelton's Instagram story [image Source: Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/01/5ca2d-17379536150413-1920.jpg?w=500)
Before beginning his run at the 2025 Australian Open, Ben Shelton competed at the ASB Classic where he was the top seed. He started his campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye and lost to Jakub Mensik in the opening round 6-7(2), 6-4, 5-7.
What Ben Shelton said after the end of his Australian Open 2025 campaign: “Honestly, I am really disappointed”
![Shelton at the 2025 Australian Open [Image Source: Getty Images]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/01/b4491-17379595484774-1920.jpg)
During the post-match press conference following his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open, Ben Shelton expressed that he was "disappointed" at falling short of reaching the final.
The World No. 14 claimed that losing in straight sets in the semifinals was not typical of his performance. However, he expressed belief in his abilities to address his shortcomings and come back stronger.
“Honestly, [I am] really disappointed. For me, I've made my living on Tour so far serving out sets and being able to serve out sets. I feel like it was uncharacteristic for me not to come through and win that. I know I'm close . I know my level's close. I know I have a lot of the stuff that I need . I certainly believe in myself,” Shelton said
The semifinal clash between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton marked their sixth meeting on the ATP Tour. With Sinner's victory in the final four, the World No.1 extended his head-to-head record against Shelton to five wins and only one loss.