The more critical Shelton: "It wasn't an easy night"
The American tennis player was not happy with his performance despite making it to the round of 16 at the US Open.
Ben Shelton has once again demonstrated that he is one of the main candidates to win the US Open 2026 with a great victory against Denis Shapovalov in 4 sets. Although it wasn't his best night, the American tennis player improved as the match went on, although he was not satisfied with his level and was quite self-critical.
It’s true that at the start of the match Shelton was very error-prone, just like Shapovalov, and he acknowledged that it was also due to waiting so long to step onto Arthur Ashe Court after the Williams sisters' doubles match turned into a marathon. This threw Ben off a bit, yet he still appeared satisfied after reaching the second week of the US Open after defeating three tough opponents. Now he faces Stefanos Tsitsipas for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Shelton talks about the number of errors made at the start of the match
It was tough. We waited for three hours, and when we thought they would start doubles, we maybe only thought it would be an hour. It was hard to manage, you know, for me. The first set was tough, and then serving to win it twice in the second, letting it slip away is simply unacceptable. But yes, it wasn't an easy night. Not even close to my best game. Yes, I got through it.
Changes from the third set
I think I just adapted. I think anger drove me a bit. Also, the fact of accepting where I was, what I had, what I needed to do to win, that I didn't try to play beyond my limits.
Feelings after three tough matches
I think this is a great way to start the tournament in terms of variety. You know, I have faced a lefty, a powerful hitter, a player with good intuition, a formidable server, a precision server, and a serve-and-volley player. I feel well prepared for what's next and I'm looking forward to having another opportunity.
Shelton analyzes his next match against Tsitsipas
I have been watching his matches. I think he is playing wonderfully. His tennis style can be very effective on all surfaces, a complete game, a great athlete. We played once in my first year on the tour. I’m really looking forward to it happening again.
Discomfort in his left arm from serving so powerfully
No, I feel good. More out of precaution. I think that in a Grand Slam you will deal with things day by day, match by match. It's about managing. The best players are the best at managing and finding solutions. For me, I think it’s important to take care of my shoulder proactively, rather than panicking after something happens, and also, with my serve, not to overexert.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Shelton más crítico: "No fue una noche fácil"