Shelton explains the curious reason for his defeat in Shanghai

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 11 Oct 2026 | 09:30
Ben Shelton ATP Rueda de prensa ATP Shanghái 2026

The American offered a clear explanation for his poor performance in Shanghai, which led to his elimination at the hands of Arthur Gèa.

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Ben Shelton loses in Shanghai. Photo: Getty Images

Ben Shelton has not been able to meet the expectations placed on him at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026, after losing in the third round to the Frenchman Arthur Gèa. The American appeared in a press conference to explain the reasons for his poor performance and surprised everyone with a truly curious argument: jet lag.

A hangover from clear success. That is what Ben Shelton seems to be suffering since he managed to explore his limits at the US Open. He gave everything in a tournament marked in red on the calendar and may now be paying for the physical and emotional toll taken. Evidence of this is his performance at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026, where he was eliminated by Arthur Gèa. His explanations in the press conference were of great interest, and the American offered some intriguing reflections.

This is how Shelton explained his defeat against Gèa in Shanghai

Credit to the good performance of Arthur Gèa

“He played a great match, he was better than me 100%. He read my serve very well, kept many balls in play, and returned with depth. I found it difficult to take the initiative and be aggressive. The truth is that he seems to me a very talented player, with a great forehand and consistent tennis. I think he will do very well.”

Reasons for his poor performance in Shanghai

“I would have liked to arrive here earlier because I have really felt the jet lag. Honestly, I think my body was not prepared; I couldn't adapt to the time difference. In addition, the courts have sped up considerably compared to last year, but we are still using very heavy balls that are difficult to move.”

Goals for the end of the season

One aspect that may have influenced Shelton's attitude and performance is a lack of motivation, as he has already secured his spot in the ATP Finals. In fact, the American is fully focused on that tournament. “I want to finish the season on a high note in Turin. My goal is to arrive as well prepared as possible and play my best tennis there. I would like to put the finishing touch on my season.”

It is worth noting that Ben Shelton may be paying the price for the demands of a long season in which he has achieved very good results. The ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026 has been the irrefutable proof that he can face a performance valley before the ATP Finals 2026, the event where he will seek to regain his best tennis.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shelton explica el curioso motivo de su derrota en Shanghái