Ben Shelton's Little Superstition Before His Next Challenge Against Sinner

Carlos Navarro | 8 Oct 2024 | 17.37

Ben Shelton. Source: Getty

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Ben Shelton has lived a season that has been certainly irregular, full of ups and downs, but with the firm belief that he is accumulating mileage and experiences on the always demanding professional circuit. His progression, perhaps more gradual than some expected after his breakthrough in 2023, now finds a point of reference that can provide us with many interesting conclusions: he will face Jannik Sinner in the round of 16 of the ATP Shanghai 2024, the same scenario where he defeated the Italian player last year.

That victory showcased Shelton's full power, revealing his best version: unstoppable serves, winning forehands, and overwhelming self-assurance in himself and his tennis. These qualities, especially the latter, contrast with some rough patches throughout the year; however, it is not something that overly concerns Ben, who is now adopting a new attitude and mentality to keep growing and focus on his tennis.

"One of the things that my team and I emphasize is living in the moment. We try not to think ahead to the next match, not to ponder over the following week. If you are always thinking about what's coming next on the calendar, when to go back home, it's hard to do your job at your best level in the present moment. Right now, I'm focused on Shanghai, not thinking about the two weeks in Europe afterward, and just focusing on my next match."

This philosophy includes a maxim: not looking at the final rounds of the draws, but only focusing on the next opponent. Until today's press conference, Shelton was not aware that Sinner would be his next challenge in the round of 16, a match of special relevance given Ben's performance against Jannik last year. Therefore, Shelton confessed a little secret: he has watched that match several times in recent months.

A VERY SPECIAL CHALLENGE

"I like the way I'm building my game, I think today I was crucial in the important moments. I'm really looking forward to facing Jannik. Lately, I try not to look at the draws, obviously after my victory today I was going to see who my next opponent is, but until now I didn't know. Facing the world number one is a fantastic opportunity, this year he has won two Slams, it's going to be a great challenge. I probably watched last year's match twice this year, it's going to be a fun duel", Shelton confessed, who will face the world number one starting at 06:30 in the morning in Spain, in the first match of the round of 16.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La pequeña superstición de Ben Shelton antes de su próximo desafío frente a Sinner