Ben Shelton openly expressed his frustration following a Washington Open match, where an umpire disregarded his warning about safety concerns. The 22-year-old American player, competing in Washington, DC, highlighted the lack of attention by the chair umpire regarding potential risks for the crowd during the match against Gabriel Diallo.
Shelton had requested the umpire to warn spectators in the front rows about the danger posed by fast serves hitting the audience. Despite alerting the umpire before the match, Sheldon explained no announcement was made initially, leaving the crowd exposed to errant balls traveling at high speeds.
He recounted his conversation with the umpire:
“Yeah. I was a little bit annoyed at the beginning of the match, because I told the chair umpire before the match started, I said, Hey, the balls are going to be going into the front row with how hot it is, playing Diallo. Can you just announce and make a warning if you’re sitting in the first couple of rows behind the court, please pay attention, look when they are serving. I don’t want to get anyone hit in the face and eyes where the trajectory is going, right in people’s faces.”
Shelton added that the umpire initially laughed off the concern and did not respond:
“And he kind of like laughed at me. I’m, like, I’m serious, dude. He didn’t say anything.”
He went on to reflect on the moment when Diallo’s serve first struck the crowd, underscoring the umpire’s failure to act promptly.
“The first 139 that Diallo sent into the crowd, I’m looking at him, like, Bro, I told you. Then he made the announcement later, which these fences in the back are really low and it is a hazard, and he should have said something, especially I told him, and he didn’t believe me, but it is what it is (smiling).”
—Ben Shelton, professional tennis player
Despite the tension, Shelton managed to find some humor in the incident, acknowledging the potential danger given the speed at which he and Diallo serve during their encounter. His remark suggests an uneasy acceptance of a situation that could have ended more seriously.
Emerging American Tennis Talents Preparing for Prominent US Open Performances
Ben Shelton is part of a promising generation of American male tennis players aiming for significant achievements at the upcoming US Open. Alongside Shelton, athletes such as Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Brandon Nakashima are positioning themselves as contenders capable of advancing deep into the tournament.
The momentum for these players builds on recent success, particularly Taylor Fritz’s run to the semifinal stage last year, where he defeated Frances Tiafoe, ensuring an American presence in the final. Shelton, who exited the 2023 US Open in the third round after a loss to Novak Djokovic, has expressed ambition to reach similar heights.
This year, Shelton’s recent performance in Washington, including his win over Diallo that secured a quarter-final spot, reinforces his drive and readiness to contend with the sport’s best. The upcoming clash with Frances Tiafoe promises an electrifying all-American match, highlighting the competitiveness and depth of this new generation.
With the US Open approaching, this group of American players brings fresh energy and hope for a strong showing on home soil, attracting attention from fans and analysts alike.
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: By March 2023, Shelton is backed by On for apparel and footwear and Yonex for racquets.