Ben Shelton grew up watching Roger Federer in action and now it is the turn of the Swiss maestro to watch him at Wimbledon.
Federer, who holds the record for most men’s titles won at SW19, was among those sitting in Court One as 21-year-old Shelton battled his way to a 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, win over Denis Shapovalov. Making it the third match in a row he has played that has gone the full distance. Incredibly, he is the first player in the Open Era to have reached the fourth round of a major by winning three matches in five sets after dropping the opening set in all of them.
As for his fitness levels, Shelton states that he is prepared to play more marathon matches if he is required to do so.
“I was telling my coaches that physically after this match today, it’s the best that I’ve felt in the last two or three months.” He said.
“I’ve been dealing with a lot of stuff on and off, and a lot of those issues have kind of subdued. So I’m really happy with where my body is at right now.
“I’m 100% ready to go the distance. If it happens to go five sets again tomorrow, I’ll be ready to go the whole way.”
Despite making only his eighth appearance in a Grand Slam main draw, Shelton has already proven his credentials on the man stage. Last year he reached the semi-finals of the US Open before getting stopped in his tracks by Novak Djokovic. On the ATP Tour, he won two titles at the Tokyo Open last year and then Houston in April.
Overseeing Shelton’s rise in the sport is his coach and father Byran, who reached the last 16 of Wimbledon 30 years ago when as a qualifier he stunned second seed Michael Stich in the first round.
“I think a lot more impressive was what he was able to do it (reach the Wimbledon fourth round) back in the day, beating the No. 2 player in the world as 50-something in the world,” Shelton replied when comparing the two achievements.
“I’m really happy that we get to kind of share this moment together.
“I’m just looking forward to this next match. We’ve been working really well together on the court.”
As to what exactly is going well, the tennis star believes a rule change has helped him. For the first time at The All England Club this year, coaching is allowed from the sidelines during matches.
“I think that the information that he’s (Shelton’s coach) able to give me during the match, he can help keep me in the right state of mind.” He said.
“I’ve really enjoyed the kind of back and forth that we’ve been able to have during the matches.”
Next up for the American is a meeting with world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who had the luxury of playing his third round match on Friday. Shelton has beaten the top seed before at the 2023 Shanghai Masters but has lost to him twice since then without winning a set.
“It’s a great opportunity for me, a great challenge and test. The biggest challenge in tennis playing the top-ranked player in the world. But I’m never somebody to be scared going into a match or feel unprepared. I’m always confident in my abilities no matter who is on the other side of the net.” He concluded.
