Ben Shelton will take on the World No. 1 player on the ATP Tour, Jannik Sinner, in the fourth round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, and he's ready for the challenge.
The young American loves big matches, as he's shown multiple times in the past. Especially during his run into the 2023 US Open semi-finals, Shelton showed that he thrives on the big stage, with thousands of fans supporting him.
Now, he will have a chance to play another big match. After he outplayed Denis Shapovalov in the third round of the tournament, in what was his third consecutive five-set win, the American will get a chance to take on the World No. 1 player.
Sinner, on the other hand, is coming into the match much more rested despite playing four sets against compatriot Matteo Berrettini in the past rounds.
After his match against Shapovalov, Shelton spoke to the crowd on the No. 1 Court, not knowing that his match with Sinner was scheduled for the very same court. He thought the match would be scheduled on the Centre Court, but still, he showed his hunger to fight for the win.
"I’m happy with where I’ve gotten so far but definitely not satisfied. The pinnacle of tennis is playing the World No. 1 at Wimbledon, probably on Centre Court. So I’m very excited and ready to get after it. See you guys tomorrow and let’s get it again. Come on!"
Shelton then spoke about the match also during the press conference. The two met three times on the ATP Tour, and after the American succeeded in their first clash, it was Sinner who dominated the other two, but Shelton is coming for revenge.
"I’m really excited. We’ve played three times. He’s gotten me in two of them. I think it’s always good to have played somebody before. Beaten them, lost to them.. you know what it feels like going into it."
The American recognizes his opponent's qualities, and that's one of the reasons why he's looking forward to the match. He's not going to be scared of Sinner, despite his great form in 2024, firing a clear warning to his rival ahead of the match.
"He’s one of the guys who’s had the most success on tour so far this year as the World No. 1. It’s a great opportunity for me. A great challenge and test. The biggest challenge in tennis is playing the top-ranked player in the world."
"But I’m never someone to be scared going into a match or feel unprepared. I’m always confident in my abilities no matter who’s on the other side of the net. I’m gonna go out there and try to problem solve and figure things out as it goes. Just compete as hard as I can."
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