Ben Shelton wants to be feared as blockbuster Novak Djokovic US Open clash looms
Ben Shelton is impressing at the US Open and has dreams of being feared by his tennis opponents
REUTERS
Before the start of this year, Ben Shelton was viewed as one of tennis' greatest up-and-coming talents.
But he's now close to being known as one of the best players in the world after reaching the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Shelton was too strong for Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday, overcoming his fellow American 6-2 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2 to book his place in the last four.
It was a terrific performance from the 20-year-old, who will now face Novak Djokovic with a place in Sunday's final at stake.
Ben Shelton was too strong for Frances Tiafoe in their US Open clash
REUTERS
Shelton has enjoyed a stunning rise. He will now be part of the top 20 in the world, having started the year in 47th.
He is a physical player, one that seems to relish producing power shots. Other players on the tour have been stunned at just how hard he can hit a ball.
Before the tournament commenced, Shelton admitted he wanted to be feared while talking with compatriot Chris Eubanks.
He name-dropped Roger Federer, revealing he'd love to create an aura similar to the Swiss maestro.
“I want to be that dude in the draw that there’s not one player that wants to see me," he said.
When Eubanks told Shelton that Carlos Alcaraz wouldn't want to face him, he added: “I’m not talking just doesn’t want.
“I’m talking scared of me, like genuine.
“Roger [Federer] in his prime, he pulls up to a tournament, you ain't telling me… everyone’s thinking about him.”
Now, he is one step closer to getting his way.
Beating Djokovic won't be easy, of course, with the Serb very much the favourite given everything he's achieved throughout his glittering career.
Yet he's a player very much on the top and his youth could work in his favour against the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Speaking after his win over Tiafoe, meanwhile, Shelton admitted he found the conditions tough to cope with - but insisted he felt positive about his display.
"I think tonight was a real physical battle. That was the true test," said the youngster.
"You know, you have Frances Tiafoe on the other side of the court and you have the weather that you had in there.
"It was pretty muggy, pretty hot. 75 per cent of the match I think both of us were finishing points fairly tired, trying to catch our breath.
"You know, end of that third set is when I really had to dig deep.
"I had a set point at 6-5, went up to the line with heavy legs and ended up double-faulting two times in a row.
"Got a little bit lucky with the slap shot to get back in control of the breaker. And then, you know, I was just tough the last two points.
"I think that was the key for me tonight. Just being tough and being relentless, and knowing that I could go the distance physically no matter how bad it hurt.
"That was just kind of what I was sticking with."
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Ben Shelton will now lock horns with Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the US Open
REUTERS
He continued: "I'm definitely feeling joy at times during the match. I'd say a lot.
"When I look over at my box and see my friends and family over there, I get some smiles out of them or funny signals, you know, I enjoy that.
"I really enjoy the interaction with people when I'm on the court. I also enjoy the tennis.
"You know, it's tough. I'm thinking to myself as I'm walking to get my towel in the fourth set, and it's, like, this is the greatest moment on the tennis court of my life, and I'm in a lot of pain, you know, physically.
"But I'm loving it. I think that was just kind of the story of today."
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