Ben Shelton, fresh from his best performance at Wimbledon, has quickly shifted focus to competing on home soil at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. The 22-year-old American thrives on the enthusiastic support of local crowds, fueling his motivation to excel during the North American hard court season leading up to the US Open.
Having reached a career-high ranking of number eight, Shelton is excited to continue building momentum on hard courts where he has delivered much of his strongest tennis.
Why Shelton Chooses to Play at the Citi Open Despite a Short Break
The Citi Open serves as an important early stop on the North American hard court circuit for many players, including Shelton. Despite the quick turnaround of just 13 days after reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals, Shelton committed to playing in the nation’s capital. While some competitors opt to rest following the Grand Slam, he prioritizes the Citi Open because of its vibrant atmosphere.
“I think this is one of the tournaments with the best tennis crowds. There is a lot of energy around this tournament,”
Shelton told reporters in Washington D.C.
He added that typically, after a demanding Slam run, even reaching the quarterfinals, he might skip a tournament two weeks later. However, the unique environment at the Citi Open makes it an event he never wants to miss.
“Yeah, I’m happy to be here, looking forward to putting up good performances. I always say I want to go one step deeper than I went the year before, and that’s not always the case, but yeah, I hope to have some good results in this U.S. swing.”
Shelton Opens Citi Open Campaign with a Strong Victory
Ben Shelton launched his quest for the Citi Open title by defeating fellow American Mackenzie McDonald. He was dominant on serve, firing nine aces while conceding only seven points on his serve during the 75-minute match.
With a confident start secured, Shelton looked ahead to his next match against Gabriel Diallo. He evaluated the court conditions and shared how these matches fit into his preparation for the US Open.
“It’s really important, I think just [with] where I want my match count to be going into the US Open, to start off strong here and be playing again on Thursday and get myself a chance to have a second match,”
Shelton explained after his opening round win.
“I think that the way these courts play at nighttime is fairly similar to the way the US Open plays during the day. During the day here, it’s faster. But I think that getting as much exposure as I can with this ball and this court is really important.”
Stay Focused on the Road to Greater Success in the US Open
Ben Shelton’s decision to compete in the Citi Open despite the brief recovery period signals his dedication and enthusiasm for the home hard court season. His strong connection with American fans and impressive recent form continue to raise expectations for his performances heading into the US Open.
As Shelton moves deeper into the Citi Open, his goal of building on last year’s results while gaining valuable match experience remains clear. His growing ATP ranking and confidence suggest he will be a formidable contender on the upcoming tennis circuit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ben Shelton sponsored by Rolex?
A. In 2024, Ben Shelton was chosen to be a Rolex Testimonee.
Q. What is Ben Shelton’s brand?
A. Sponsors. In March 2023, Shelton gets clothing and shoes from On and uses racquets from Yonex.