American tennis star Ben Shelton recently shared his preference between NBA players Anthony Edwards and Rudy Fernandez when asked who he would emulate if he played basketball professionally. The conversation took place after Shelton’s match at the Canadian Open in Toronto on August 3, following his victory over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a thrilling fourth-round contest. Already known as a passionate basketball fan, Shelton reflected on his styles and experiences with both athletes.
During a press conference, Shelton was reminded of his time in Mallorca earlier that summer, where he met and played tennis with former Spanish NBA player Rudy Fernandez. When asked whether his hypothetical NBA game would look more like Edwards or Fernandez, Shelton responded thoughtfully.
“They’re both great. But I would hope, well just personal preference, I’m not that athletic, but, yeah, I would like to be playing like Anthony Edwards,” Ben Shelton answered.
Shelton also praised Fernandez for his remarkable career as a three-time EuroLeague champion and one of the pioneering European players to break into the NBA. He found it intriguing to learn about Fernandez’s transition from European basketball to the NBA, gaining insight into the aspirations and challenges faced by players making that leap.
“So, it was kind of just cool to get to know how the basketball scene works in Europe and how those guys make it over to the NBA, and how big of a goal it is for them to get to the NBA,” he said.
Ultimately, Shelton expressed that his favorite player to watch remains Anthony Edwards, citing a personal admiration that influences his style preferences.
Ben Shelton Impressed by Rudy Fernandez’s Tennis Skills During Mallorca Meeting
Before Wimbledon, Shelton participated in one of his three grass-court tournaments held in Mallorca, where he was the top seed at the ATP 250 event. This allowed him to meet Rudy Fernandez, a respected figure in both basketball and sports circles, with whom Shelton even shared a tennis session.
The American tennis player admitted surprise at Fernandez’s tennis ability, playfully crediting it to possible outside influences.
“He’s a better tennis player than I was expecting,” admitted Shelton after challenging Fernandez (via ATPTour.com). “He told me that he plays golf sometimes with Rafa [Nadal], so maybe something has rubbed off from Rafa because his forehand is pretty good.”
Besides tennis, the two athletes also showcased their basketball skills, enjoying the crossover of their respective sports. However, Shelton’s performance at the ATP event was mixed, as he suffered a straight-sets loss to Learner Tien in his opening match.
Upcoming Challenges as Shelton Prepares for Masters 1000 Quarterfinal
Looking ahead, Shelton is gearing up for a significant quarterfinal match against Alex de Minaur at the Masters 1000 event in Toronto. This encounter marks their first meeting on tour. Shelton has already issued a subtle warning to his Australian opponent, signaling competitive intent despite the previous setback in Mallorca.
As Shelton continues to balance his love for basketball with his professional tennis career, his reflections on players like Edwards and Fernandez offer a glimpse into the mindset of a rising star who draws inspiration beyond his primary sport. His admiration for Edwards, in particular, highlights a preference for athleticism and style, which Shelton hopes to emulate in his own athletic journey.