Ben Shelton is already making plans for next year after confirming where he will begin the 2025 season.
The American is currently competing at the Swiss Indoors In Basel in an attempt to finish 2024 as strongly as possible after a long and grueling season since he started in January.
Shelton received a boost before the tournament in Basel after winning the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Frankfurt. He staged a comeback against Ugo Humbert in the final to reign supreme at the exhibition.
Although securing the Ultimate Tennis Showdown title did not give him any ranking points because it was not an ATP event, Shelton still collected a massive paycheck of $377,400, making his appearance at the event worth it.
The 22-year-old's opening match of the Swiss Indoors against Tomas Martin Etcheverry contained a controversial moment. Shelton was incorrectly awarded a point in the first set, which helped him break the Argentine's serve.
Some social media accounts attacked Shelton, feeling he knew the point should have been Etcheverry's. Last year's US Open semifinalist laughed off those comments, joking that these people must think he has x-ray vision from the other side of the court.
Home hero and tennis legend Stan Wawrinka was his second-round opponent. Despite several moments of magic from the Swiss, especially from his famed one-handed backhand, strong serving from Shelton got him out of trouble, and he prevailed 7-6, 7-5.
Regardless of how the season ends for Shelton, he has been quite consistent without any huge breakthrough tournaments. His sole title was on clay at the Houston Open, defeating compatriot and friend Frances Tiafoe in the final.
Next week's Paris Masters will be Shelton's final tournament of 2024. He probably needs to rest due to the length of the tennis season, although Carlos Alcaraz will play him in an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden in December.
The 2025 season starts at the end of December. Tournaments during the first week include the United Cup, which will feature Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, and the Brisbane International.
However, the first tournament Shelton has announced for 2025 is not in Australia or during the season's opening week. He will travel to New Zealand for the ASB Classic, taking place in Auckland in the second week of 2025.
Shelton reached the semifinal of the event in Auckland last year, suffering a surprising defeat to Taro Daniel at that stage. French tennis legend Richard Gasquet, who will retire next year, won the 2023 iteration of the ASB Classic at the age of 36.
In a video announcing his participation at next year's ASB Classic, Shelton had many positive things to say about Auckland, saying it feels like a home away from home for him.
"I love that I've been able to play Auckland every year. I think they have great fans and great people there in New Zealnd. I think Auckland is a great city with amazing food, and yeah, it's just one comfortable place that feels like home away from home even though it's quite far."
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