Shelton's New Obsession: "I Want to Be One of the Top Returners on the Circuit"

Fernando Murciego | 8 Jul 2025 | 11.30

Ben Shelton bares his teeth at Wimbledon. Source: Getty

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Semifinals at the Australian Open, fourth round at Roland Garros, and currently, quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Beyond everyone's expectations, we can agree that Ben Shelton's Grand Slam season is remarkable, showing that he has the potential to compete on any surface and that only the best can stop him. In London, he is flying, exuding confidence after breaking into the top 10 for the first time. Yesterday we saw him defeat Sonego, and now we will see him clash with Jannik Sinner. Surprises on the horizon? First, let's hear the latest statements from the American and then evaluate.

Another victory against Sonego

"I'm very happy with my win today, it wasn't easy, the conditions were very challenging. I'm sure anyone who watched the match will know it wasn't straightforward. There are many things I'm proud of right now, the way I managed the match, winning in four sets, along with some details that I'll need to improve for the rest of the tournament."

The rest, his main obsession

"Today I returned very well, I'm very happy with my progress. I'm still not where I want to be; my goal is to be an elite returner, I want to be one of the best returners in the world. I'm on my way, but I'm not there yet, although I see a lot more in myself now than when I entered the circuit. For me, the game slows down and becomes simpler when I put a high percentage of first serves in, but also when I get every return in play. That is my goal every time I step on the court, although it's not always achieved. Today I didn't serve well, nor do I think I returned as well as I did against Fucsovics, but I did improve in crucial moments, which was key."

The mirror of Andy Roddick

"The truth is, I didn't play tennis when he was active, but I've watched a ton of his matches. He had a bigger serve than mine, he was like a windmill, a physical beast. He's an inspiration for me; I loved his massive forehand and footwork. He has been there to give me advice and send me messages, not always directly, but through my father or the team. As an American, he is one of those people who achieved many things that I now aspire to; things I'd like to achieve in this sport he did at a very young age. It seems that everything I accomplish is the first to do since Andy; sometimes it's hard to be mentioned in the same sentence as him."

A family tournament

"It's been a very enjoyable tournament; I have with me all the people I could want, which is very nice to share each victory with them. To be honest, often when I'm at tournaments, I enjoy the people I have by my side, every moment off the court and also on it. These are usually the places where I play best. I have a good formula here at Wimbledon; you can't always stay in a house with your family and do things together, spend time with them, so these days are great for me. It's special to go so deep in the tournament; I've never done that, but the most special part is having all my family with me."

Did any other sport help you play on grass?

"I don't know, I suppose sports played on grass should help a bit with movement, especially because they have been around for years. Specifically regarding playing on grass, no other experience compares, to be honest. Maybe with the serve, if we consider football or baseball, that serving motion can help, but for the rest of the shots, I think they are all inaccessible in other disciplines."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La nueva obsesión de Shelton: “Quiero ser de los mejores restadores del circuito”