Shelton: "It's a matter of time and work, I'm trying to put all the pieces together, because I'm not complete yet"
The American once again succumbed at the Australian Open against Sinner, but assures that his level is improving over time.
At the moment, Ben Shelton still doesn't match the level of Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz. It was evident in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open, where the American, as he did a year ago, succumbed to the dominance of the Italian (6-3, 6-4, 6-4). Although this time he was more competitive and fought harder, he still hasn't found the key to neutralize the world number two.
It's now eight consecutive victories for the one from San Candido over the one from Atlanta, who had opportunities to extend the match but failed to capitalize, and the Italian took advantage. Nevertheless, in the press conference after his defeat, the American remained positive, acknowledging his errors in returning and expressing confidence that he is on the right path and will soon be able to compete head-to-head with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Ben Shelton reveals the key to Jannik Sinner's victory
"He returned very well and was very solid with his service. The big difference today was in the second serve returns. I think that was a downfall for me compared to what I've been doing in the second serve returns throughout the tournament."
"That was an area I needed to improve today. I think I played well from the baseline, moved well, and served quite well. I just have to continue improving my first serve accuracy, and yes, I believe the second serve return was the key to the match."
Despite the defeat, he feels close to Alcaraz and Sinner
"My level is better, and I am improving more and more, becoming much less limited. I think this process takes time, and results don't always come when you want them. I am reaching the point where usually the greatest game challenges stop me, and I really believe I am close to putting it all together."
"I think it's just going to take that time when I really do it to take that step. It has always been like that for me. I am definitely not discouraged by a performance like this, but you know, I want to see myself leading in the score and see what I can do, instead of falling behind because I know how I feel when I am ahead in Grand Slams. So for me, I think it's a matter of time and work, trying to put all the pieces together because I am not complete yet, but I feel more and more complete."
Tennis and Grand Slams Addict
"It's all about perspective, and mostly, I have a great perspective. I know how lucky I am. I have amazing people around me, and that is why I keep improving. But I am an addict. I have become more and more addicted to this game and, you know, to understanding things, chasing the guys ahead of me. Feeling the pressure you feel on a Grand Slam court, there is no better feeling than that."
"For me, it is a privilege to be here every time, especially in the four biggest tournaments of the year. That's what drives me every day, and I feel that the motivation gets stronger and stronger every year. Tonight I am upset 100% with how it went, but I have a lot of confidence in myself and the work I am doing."
A Different Shelton from a Year Ago
"I have become much more professional in the way I do things, in how I practice, prepare for a match, my daily routines, the number of matches I watch, how focused I am during a tournament. That has been a big change for me and something I need to keep building on."
"But in terms of the evolution of my game, I feel like I am a different player than I was 12 months ago. I felt that when I played against Jannik here last year, the conditions were much better for me, and my level dropped quickly in that match, and the last two sets of that duel were not competitive at all."
On What He Needed to Defeat Sinner
"I think I needed to be a bit more aggressive and have more intent with what I did with the second serve. I think with other players, I can settle for getting the ball in play and making them run a bit on the first stroke and then return to being neutral or move to the attack. I was doing a good job at that."
"But with a player who has the ability to win the point on the first stroke like him, I needed to be much better and have more purpose with my second-serve return, something I felt he had against me and could put me in uncomfortable positions and attack several times with my second serve. I felt like I was just making my second serve too easy for him," stated Ben Shelton, who, despite taking a step forward, is still far behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shelton: "Es cuestión de tiempo y trabajo, estoy tratando de poner todas las piezas juntas, porque aún no soy completo"