A new innovation is being trialed at this year's Citi Open in Washington, but Ben Shelton has explained why he is not one of the players taking part in the initiative.
There is a fantastic field of players competing at the Citi Open. However, Shelton is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions for fans, and the organizers in Washington will undoubtedly be delighted to have him at the tournament.
The 21-year-old is able to play in the Citi Open due to his decision not to play at the Olympics. Some were surprised at the move since it is such a prestigious event for tennis players, and Shelton would have loved playing in front of great crowds at Roland-Garros.
However, the US team captain at the Olympics, Bob Bryan, said he was not shocked by Shelton and Frances Tiafoe's skipping the Olympics. The multiple-time Grand Slam doubles champion acknowledged that players must do what is right for them.
Since most of the tennis world is focused on the Olympics, the organizers in Washington are desperate to attract as much attention as possible to their event, which is not easy.
They will hope that the ATP trialing players wearing microphones for the first time will help. This move is being made in select doubles matches in Washington and does not apply to any singles contests.
Shelton played doubles alongside Ivan Dodig at the ATP 500 event, but they lost in straight sets. That means the move could have potentially applied to him, and it seems like the tournament may have asked him to play with a microphone attached.
In a press conference in Washington, Shelton outlined why he refused to do this, even though he believes the initiative is a good idea to get fans more engaged with the sport.
"I'm not getting mic'd up, man. Yeah, I think it's really cool for a consumer. I think it's a good idea. The guys who consent to it, I think there will be some funny stuff that comes out from that happening. For me, I like my career (Smiling)."
"I'm not saying that I say crazy stuff on the court. I can be a wild card at times. I don't say things out loud, but when the mic is right there, anything can happen (smiling)."
"I'm going to keep those thoughts and those under-the-breath sayings to myself. I hope everyone who does it enjoys it and doesn't say anything too bad."
This seems like a sensible and pragmatic move from Shelton. He is a very entertaining player to watch, but the American can also become animated and fiery on the court. That means some of what he says to himself during tight and pressurized moments may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Shelton's electrifying brand of tennis is more than enough to entertain fans on its own. He showed how dangerous he is in home conditions during his run to the US Open semifinal last year.
Shelton having more preparation than players competing at the Olympics gives him an even better chance of a strong run this year.
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