Shelton's dilemma in 2026: "What has frustrated me the most is the inconsistency"

Streaming ATP Washington MD live tennis

🎾 Hidalgo/Shelton vs Harrison/Skupski

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

Ben Shelton is experiencing a season of mixed feelings, where he has managed to win 3 ATP titles (personal record) but at the same time has left much to be desired in some important tournaments. Now that the North American hard court swing is starting, one of the most important for him, the ATP ranking number 6 has spoken about these ups and downs he has experienced in 2026.

There have been weeks where Shelton has seemed unbeatable, while in others, such as at Wimbledon or Roland Garros, he has made early exits. In fact, in the 4 Masters 1000 events he has played this year, he has only scored one victory, so his best level has been in ATP 500 or ATP 250 events, which are currently saving his season. This week, he will play the ATP 500 in Washington, where he defends last year's semifinal, and in an interview with the ATP, he talked about the doubts surrounding his performance in recent months.

“It has been a strange season for me this year. Many ups and downs. I have won more titles than ever in a single year. And we are barely halfway through. At the same time, there are many aspects of my game that have frustrated and disappointed me. I believe there is much room for improvement in the second half of the year, and I am in a part of the season that I really enjoy and play very well,” he stated.

Shelton reveals the reason for his frustration with himself

With the US Open just around the corner, a tournament he has marked on his calendar, Ben is aware that he must step up. “What bothers me the most is the performance. I don't know how much is due to my level or to specific matches, particular situations, or decision-making, but I am someone who tries to be consistent. I suppose what has frustrated me the most is the inconsistency in my game. One of my biggest goals on the tour is to reach the end of tournaments, finish the week, and win titles, something I didn't do as much before but that I am improving more and more,” he expressed.

“I think part of the frustration comes from those early-round exits, which are like traps for me. I have to be able to be more consistent week after week in those situations, which is important to me. Being able to go to Florida right away, a couple of days after losing at Wimbledon, acclimate to the heat immediately and start training right away, was very important. It's good to have an advantage in that aspect. I guess that was the positive side of losing in the first round of a tournament where I usually go far and play well, but that's tennis,” he concluded.

It is in this part of the season where a player with Shelton's abilities usually takes a step forward and brings out his best level, although he will also feel the pressure of defending quite a few points until the US Open, where last year he had to retire against Adrian Mannarino. Ben knows he has unfinished business with the big events in 2026, as he is a player who does not usually fail in those moments, so he will go all out to turn the situation around after a strange season for his interests.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El dilema de Shelton en 2026: "Lo que más me ha frustrado es la inconsistencia"