Ben Shelton mentioned he was fairly stunned by the extent he’s managing to precise on this version of the Australian Open 2025 and, normally, within the Slam tournaments. The American reached the second semifinal in a Main in his profession by beating Lorenzo Sonego in 4 units and can problem Jannik Sinner for a spot within the ultimate.
“I’m happy. It’s not something I expected to do when my career started. As a child, when I stopped playing, I was a little overweight. I weighed a lot. I’ve always suffered physically, so it’s special to play my best tennis in the big tournaments and to be able to physically withstand the best-of-five set matches,” he defined in a press convention.
Ben Shelton© Stream screenshot
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Within the semifinals there would be the problem with the ATP #1. On that notice, Shelton has a plan he’ll attempt to implement to achieve his first Grand Slam ultimate.
“Sinner is the defending champion and we know what he is doing. I am looking forward to playing him. Every match against the best players in the world gives you a chance to improve. You have to play aggressively, but it is a calculated risk. You have to pick the right time and have faith in what you believe in. I have been a little conservative so far and he will have to step up in the semifinals,” he defined.
On the match he gained towards Sonego, the American analyzed: “It was one of the worst days on serve for me. We both struggled to find our game in the first two sets. I hadn’t spent much time on Rod Laver Arena before and it was very windy. It took me a while to adjust to the conditions.
He started to ‘punch me’ and serve well. It was tough, I wasn’t able to get the break at one point in the match. I’m trying to stay more focused on the court. Obviously I’m a passionate player and I love that to show on the court.”
