Ben Shelton has two tasks in Shanghai
The American is having a sensational season, but he still needs a little more to achieve his last two objectives. Shanghai could be the place to accomplish them.
Ben Shelton returns this week to competition at the Shanghai Masters 1000 with plenty of reasons to look up. The American arrives at the Chinese tournament after achieving the best performance of his career in a Grand Slam at the US Open and does so in a privileged position in the race towards the ATP Finals in Turin.
The world number four currently holds the third position in the Race, a situation that makes this final stretch of the season particularly important for his interests. Shelton already participated in the Masters tournament last year, but left without securing any victories in the group stage, so now he wants to return with a different mindset.
“I think it’s a massive motivation,” the American acknowledged in statements collected by ATP. “I want to be there playing among the top eight, and I want to finish the year in the top 5 for the first time.” With five weeks until the Italian event, Shelton considers that he is in a good position, although he knows perfectly well that he still has work ahead.
Shanghai, the place where Shelton can achieve his goals
The Asian Masters is not an ordinary tournament for Shelton. It was precisely here that he achieved his first significant performance in a Masters 1000 in 2023, reaching the quarterfinals after defeating Jannik Sinner. “I had my first breakthrough in a Masters here, I achieved great victories, so it’s a special place,” he explained.
Now the goal is to repeat that feeling and, if possible, go even further. Shelton has 39 wins this season, just three shy of his best annual record achieved in 2024. He needs to reach the semifinals in Shanghai to surpass that figure. The American will seek to take a step forward in front of a crowd that he loves. “From the moment you land at the airport, there are fans screaming. It’s quite a special feeling, I feel like we are loved and accepted here,” he emphasized.
After a US Open that confirmed his growth, Shelton now faces a new challenge. The reward is significant, as a good result in Shanghai could bring him closer to Turin and solidify his place among the big names on the circuit. A classic 2-for-1 deal.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ben Shelton tiene dos tareas en Shanghai