Ben Shelton opened on something he struggles with during his tennis matches.
The American is one of the exciting and charismatic players on the ATP Tour, and his passion for the game and competitive spirit is clear for all to see.
The 22-year-old’s desire to improve his level of play burns bright, and that is exactly what he aims to do during this clay court season.
Shelton reached the Munich Open final on Sunday and now he has begun his Madrid Open campaign with victory.
Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty ImagesWhat does Ben Shelton do to help him if he loses focus during matches?
Ben Shelton is a player who thrives off the energy from the crowd during his matches.
This is even more important for the World number 13 given he struggles with staying focused while he is competing at times.
Therefore, he draws on the support from the crowd to help re-engage him and that is exactly what happened when he came from behind to beat Mariano Navone 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 in Madrid.
“I was having some struggles today, I wasn’t 100% locked in and I didn’t have the gauges dialed,” he said. “I had to dig deep and the crowd definitely wanted to see a little bit more tennis.
“At 6-4 5-4 down they urged me to get that break and once I got over that hump, I loosened up, I relaxed and started to find that flow state.
“I do have some focus issues 100% and everyone has a little bit, but I have a lot sometimes, but for me the crowd really helps me. It’s one of those things that kind of calms me and helps me have fun.
“I think that when I’m taking it too seriously or getting too upset after losing points, I’m not playing my best. But when I can find that space where I’m having fun but competing hard, I play my best tennis.”
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesBen Shelton says he is still trying to find his ‘identity’ on clay
Shelton is still trying to find his way on clay, having played just 27 professional matches on the surface.
The American has made an impressive start to his clay court season. He reached the Munich Open final and aims to floor that up with a strong run in Madrid.
Shelton feels confident in doing so, as he explained where he clay court game is at and what he is doing well. “For me I’m finding my identity,” Shelton said.
“I’m finding out what I want to do and how I want to play. I’m finding my feet and I think I’m moving really well on the surface.
“I think that this is the best that I have moved since I started playing on the red clay and I think that’s really important.
“The best players in the world are usually the best movers and the best returners and I figured out a spot where I can put a lot of returns in play and get moving and getting my legs going. If I’m moving well I’m playing well and I feel really good about how I’m moving right now.”