Ben Shelton was defeated by world number one Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, falling in straight sets on Court No. 1. Despite making significant progress by reaching this stage for the first time, Shelton acknowledged that errors during the match contributed to his loss.
Shelton praised Sinner for his exceptional return game, something he had not encountered before, but also expressed regret over his own tactical decisions, particularly with his serve.
Areas Where Shelton Felt He Could Have Performed Better
Shelton lost to Sinner 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 in a match lasting two hours and 21 minutes. His serve, considered a key strength, produced 14 aces, yet Shelton was critical of how he sometimes overreached by trying too hard to overpower it.
In his post-match press conference, Shelton explained the pressure of facing a strong returner like Sinner and how it affected his serving strategy. He admitted to attempting first serves at excessively high speeds during crucial moments.
You feel consistent pressure playing a guy like him, who returns as well as him throughout the match,
Shelton said.
I think possibly trying to go a little bit too big on the first serve in those moments or hitting it too hard.
He further discussed the importance of staying calm and maintaining his usual serving motion, which typically generates a powerful first serve without sacrificing control.
It’s not like when I go and hit my smooth service motion, it’s going to come off 122mph. If I go from a flat serve with a smooth motion, it’s going to come off 140, but chasing 147 sometimes in those moments is stupid.
Shelton’s Reflections on His Grand Slam Journey This Year
Throughout 2024, Shelton has shown consistent improvements in Grand Slam events, reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open, the fourth round at Roland Garros, and now the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Despite this upward trajectory, he remains critical of his progress.
John McEnroe has endorsed Shelton as having the potential to win a major, yet Shelton himself expressed a mix of satisfaction and lingering disappointment in his results.
I am definitely not satisfied, Shelton said, acknowledging the effort he put into the clay and grass seasons but emphasizing the desire to advance further.
He highlighted the incremental progress he has made by aiming to surpass his prior performances at each major this year.
I wouldn’t say I am satisfied but can I feel confident coming off the first three slams of the season and going into the fourth and encouraged going into the US Open? Yes, but at the same time it still stings.
Looking Ahead to North American Hard Court Season and US Open
Shelton’s Grand Slam losses this year have come only at the hands of either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, marking him as a strong contender on the rise. With Wimbledon behind him, he now turns his attention to the US Open, his home Slam, where expectations will be higher.
The 10th-ranked player is preparing to begin his North American hard court season at the Washington Open, starting Monday, July 21, aiming to build momentum ahead of the US Open. His performances this year suggest he is steadily moving closer to breaking through at the highest level, despite moments of frustration along the way.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ben Shelton sponsored by Rolex?
A. In 2024, Ben Shelton was chosen to be a Rolex Testimonee.
Q. Does Ben Shelton have a degree?
A. He was a finance major at the University of Florida. After going pro, he switched to studying business online. Now, he takes the chance to learn every business detail of his tennis career. This is important because he is the one who makes the final decisions.
Q. What is Ben Shelton’s brand?
A. Sponsorships. By March 2023, Shelton is supported by On, which provides his clothing and shoes, and by Yonex, which supplies his racquets.