'It Really Helps Me Play Much Better': How Social Media Negativity Fuels Shelton
ATP
Ben Shelton's defiance has given him the mindset whereby he craves social media negativity believing it makes him play better.
Shelton was the surprise package of the 2023 US Open. He defeated two Top 20 seeds to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal. His mesmeric run was curtailed by eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the last four in straight sets. But now that the dust has settled, Shelton is able to fathom the magnitude of his achievement.
On one side it's the biggest moment of his tennis career and quite a massive stride he's taken from going out of college waters to unchartered waters of Grand Slam tennis, all of it in the span of 12 months. But at the same time, Shelton couldn't help but notice the microscope he's been under.
In an interview with GQ Sports, he talks of the US Open as akin to being in a 24-hour surveillance room, with cameras and microphones following him everywhere. On social media, his stock grew exponentially, both the positive and negative energy generated at a go.
"At the US Open, the camera and the mic are always there. You go into the gym, they’re following you. I’m talking with Coco Gauff after we both won our match, there’s a mic above our heads. You don’t really have a safe space where people aren’t watching. When you can get back to your hotel room, you can kind of relax."
When he defeated Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinal in front of a raucous crowd, Shelton's phone celebration caused a stir amongst a section of fans, who labeled him as being cocky. Others didn't quite embrace what they deemed as one-dimensional power tennis. For Shelton, constructive criticism has only helped him to achieve his desired level on the court.
"Every little thing that you do, even if it’s not out of control—you don’t need to be swearing or breaking racquets—is looked down upon in tennis. If I win a big point and I’m screaming, people will say something. ‘He celebrates too hard. He is out of control. Be humble."
"I’m not gonna lie, I check social media from time to time. I can use that for fuel, and it really helps me play much better with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder."
