Shelton and the year of truth: "I would like to improve my numbers compared to the rest"

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The promising 2023 of Ben Shelton left tennis fans more than ready to see the American follow in the footsteps of the best. His 2024, however, has had more shadows than lights: it has meant an extra learning season on the ATP circuit for a guy who two years ago had not yet competed outside his country. In a way, it was a slight setback for all those who had placed astronomical expectations on his shoulders, but Ben has not lost patience and wants 2025 to become the season of truth: the moment to work and evolve in various aspects to become a truly complete tennis player.

In statements collected by TENNIS, he knows where and in which aspects he can and should progress. His virtues are more than visible: a galactic serve and power, a football player's body, and devastating power in his forehand. The American has also greatly improved his lateral mobility, becoming less and less vulnerable when opponents open up the court on the backhand side... but he is still too impatient when selecting his shots, too impulsive in his attacks, and above all, too soft on returns.

This is where Shelton wants to progress, with a goal: to distance himself from the common "servebot" label that many, as they did with John Isner or Reilly Opelka, have already applied to him in his country. "John and Reilly told me that if you only break your opponents' serve from 5% to 7%, you're a servebot. I was below 10% in 2023, and this year I'm at 15%, but I would like to raise those numbers", Ben points out fearlessly, aware that the return game is the real key to taking the next step.

IMPATIENCE, ANOTHER ASPECT TO NOTE

It's a lesson learned through experience, through defeats that ignited Shelton's competitive flame. The latest took place at the US Open, in a great five-set duel against Frances Tiafoe in which he ended up surrendering. "Many players on the circuit are superhuman. I serve at 230, but I don't hit the ball where I want... and they return it. They have high-quality returns and hit the ball at my feet. Often, speed is not the answer to everything".

This situation can be extrapolated to baseline rallies where Shelton, aware of his ability to generate power, is sometimes too impatient. However, the American is proud that, in times when things don't go well, he relies on determination and drive to overcome those rough patches. "I'm a very competitive guy, I'm not going to give up on the match. A big serve gets you out of many troubles, but when Plan A doesn't work, it's very easy to keep hitting against a wall. I faced that quite a bit this year, had some tough stretches, but as you mature, you learn to turn those bad days into victories even when not playing well". More of that, Ben, and you'll become a true top-10 contender in 2025.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shelton y el año de la verdad: "Me gustaría subir mis números al resto"