"They talk about your family, your girlfriend... it can get personal" - Ben Shelton on harsh crowd taunts he faced while playing college tennis
Ben Shelton opened up on his experience of verbal attacks from audiences during tennis matches in his college days. He revealed how the crowd would target him with scathing comments and make remarks of a personal nature to distract him.
Shelton has advanced to the third round of the 2024 French Open after defeating Japan's Kei Nishikori. The 15th-seeded American led 7-6(7), 6-4 when the former World No. 4 retired due to a shoulder injury. Following his triumph, Ben Shelton discussed the harsh taunts and comments he faced while playing tennis during his college years.
He revealed that the fans would often make personal comments about his family, girlfriend and past internet posts. The 21-year-old also noted that he did not have such an experience from crowds since starting on the ATP Tour.
"I mean I'm not going to say the things that the guys said to me but obviously the favorite topics when you're playing college tennis - they'll talk about your family, they'll talk about your girlfriend and anything that you've ever posted on the internet," Shelton said in his post-match press conference. [06:48]
"It's all fair game so some of the stuff can get pretty personal but I've never experienced that since I've been out on tour," he added.
Ben Shelton will next face 21st seed Felix Auger Aliassime in the third round of the clay court Slam on Friday, 31 May. It will be their very first meeting, with the winner then facing either third seed Carlos Alcaraz or 27th seed Sebastian Korda.
Ben Shelton has had an impressive collegiate tennis run
Ben Shelton began playing tennis aged 12, guided by his father. He played college tennis for the Florida Gators, which compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletics Association and the Southeastern Conference. The 21-year-old won the National Championship for the first time in 2021.
Shelton carried his form into the next year, winning the 2022 NCAA championship, and ended the year as the No. 1 in the country. Morever he won the ITA National Player that year.
Shelton turned pro in August 2022, announcing it official on social media while forgoing his remaining two years of eligibility.
"After sitting down with my parents this weekend, I have decided to forgo my last two years of eligibility and turn pro. While this wasn't an easy decision, I'm excited for the next chapter in my career," Shelton had informed.
He'd expressed gratitude to the University of Florida for his two 'incredible' years there and the opportunity to compete for National Championships.
"I want to thank the university of Florida for two incredible years. It has been a once in a lifetime experience to become part of the Florida Family and to compete for National Championships."
Since turning professional, Shelton has yet to secure a Major title. However, the American has claimed two ATP titles: the 2023 Japan Open and the 2024 U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship.