Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils not references for showman Ben Shelton, American looks to indomitable Rafael Nadal for inspiration
Upcoming American tennis star Ben Shelton has revealed that although he loves to get the crowd behind him, he is not aiming to be a showman like Nick Kyrgios or Gael Monfils.
Shelton, who is currently playing the Indian Wells Masters, also reckoned that although he and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal have different ways of expressing themselves on the court, he has always looked up to the Spaniard.
The 20-year-old asserted that he was focussed on his game while trying to compete at the highest level and not be a "showy guy" who executes trick shots.
A simply brilliant set 🙌
@BenShelton takes the opener over Fognini in STYYYYLE!
#TennisParadise https://t.co/u5j3NmVNGd
"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 just trying to compete at the highest level, whatever that may be. 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," he told Eurosport.
Shelton further admitted that he would like to lock horns with Nadal and Novak Djokovic this year, joking that it would be nice to complete one of his bucket list items.
"I would like to face Rafa or maybe Novak this year. I think that would be a check on the bucket list for me if I got to play one of those," Shelton added.
The tennis sensation from Atlanta thrilled American fans by reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open earlier this year after earning his first ATP point in June 2021. After winning the NCAA singles championship last year, Ben Shelton registered his maiden ATP title win under the watchful eye of his father and coach Bryan Shelton.
"My dad has a very analytical and a great tennis mind" - Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton revealed during the course of the same interview that he got some much-needed time off after an astounding show at the 2023 Australian Open.
After getting past compatriot JJ Wolf in a tight five-setter in the fourth round, Shelton was defeated by yet another American, Tommy Paul, 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Melbourne Major.
Wow. Ben Shelton comes back from 3-4* in the 3rd set and forces (at least) a 4th set against Tommy Paul on Rod Laver Arena.
6-7(6), 3-6, 7-5. https://t.co/cGpQJHPIJJ
"There was a little bit of a celebration and my dad gave me a few days off from practice, so I was excited about that," Ben Shelton stated.
Bryan Shelton, who achieved a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 55 back in 1992, has played an instrumental role in the youngster's progress, as his son disclosed. The current World No. 41 was also candid enough to admit that it was his dad who managed to keep him grounded amidst all his recent success.
"My dad has a very analytical and a great tennis mind. So, he gave me lots of tips on what I did well and what I can continue to work on. I think he does a good job of keeping me grounded and realising that there is always room for improvement. So he has really helped me over this last month," the American explained.
Ben Shelton will take on fellow-American and defending champion Taylor Fritz in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters on Sunday after beating Fabio Fognini 6-4, 6-1 in his opener.