Ben Shelton is one of the biggest superstars on the ATP circuit. The American tennis player has evolved significantly in recent years, and before the 2026 Rome ATP, he surprised by confessing that, despite being a big server, clay courts are starting to become his favorites after winning in Munich.
This is not the first ATP tournament that Shelton has won on this surface, as he lifted the trophy in Houston in 2024, but it is true that every year he appears looser on clay. In fact, at Roland Garros 2025, he made life difficult for Carlos Alcaraz by winning a set, showing that he is not only a hard court specialist. Therefore, he will have to be taken very seriously for the Rome ATP and the major in Paris, where he could cause a few surprises.
"I have big ambitions on clay courts. It's gradually becoming one of my favorite surfaces to play on. In Munich, I think I had great control of the ball. I struck the ball very well from both sides, especially with my backhand. It was probably my best shot from the baseline. In addition to that, I served well and returned well. Those are the two most important parts of the game. I feel good about my clay game," he acknowledged in an interview with the ATP.

Shelton, in search of success to honor his grandmother
Furthermore, Ben spoke about his premature defeat to Dino Prizmic in Madrid with complete naturalness, also highlighting that it allowed him to see his family in a difficult moment. "I had an early exit in Madrid, but I didn't even play a bad game. So, for me, it's something to keep improving on. Additionally, on a personal level, it was very important to be able to return to the United States and be with my family during these times, attend my grandmother's funeral, and support my father. Going forward, I hope to honor her memory with everything I do here."
In fact, the American tennis player posted on Instagram honoring the memory of his grandmother, so now he will have an extra incentive to achieve good results in the upcoming tournaments and dedicate them to his loved ones. If he manages to do well with his serve and forehand, and implements that slice backhand that has brought him so much success on other occasions, without a doubt, Ben Shelton can be one of the top contenders to reach the final rounds at Roland Garros.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale La inesperada confesión de Ben Shelton antes del ATP Roma

