Fans have enjoyed watching Ben Shelton play in singles and doubles at Grand Slams. However, the 21-year-old admits his doubles career at the major events may be coming to an end.
Last year's US Open semifinalist is currently competing at the Citi Open in Washington. He reached the quarterfinals of the ATP-500 event with victories against Radu Albot and his compatriot Brandon Nakashima.
Shelton can play in Washington due to skipping the Paris Olympics. Some were surprised by this move since it is a prestigious event for players that is only played every four years.
However, Shelton is happy with his decision to skip the Olympics. He said the tennis calendar was very long, and the difficulties associated with repeatedly changing surfaces meant the move was correct for him.
The 2023 champion in Tokyo would have also been realistic about his chances. Despite being capable on all surfaces, he was unlikely to win a medal on clay at Roland-Garros. By contrast, he could have a deep run at the US Open.
Bob Bryan, US team captain at the Olympics, was not shocked by Shelton and Frances Tiafoe's decision not to compete. He acknowledged that players have to do what is right for them and did not hold any grudges against them.
Shelton also refused to participate in an initiative being trialed by the ATP in Washington, where players compete with microphones attached. Although he thinks it is a good idea, the American worries about what audiences may hear if he is mic'd up.
In a press conference at the Citi Open, Shelton said playing doubles at Grand Slams is another thing he may stop doing in the future. He said playing competing in the singles and doubles at the majors was too much for his body.
"I think that my doubles career at Grand slams could be coming to and because that's a little bit too much I found out on my body playing all three last year. I had another tough situation with doubles at Wimbledon. With three-out-of-five-sets, it's completely different.!
That does not mean Shelton is planning on quitting doubles altogether. He intends to keep playing doubles at tournaments outside of Grand Slams because it helps his singles game, especially with his playing style.
"I think there's a bunch of advantages to playing doubles. With the game I try to play in singles, it's advantageous to be able to work on the volleys, quick volleys up at the net. Serving and volleying. Only having to cover half the court. Returning to specific targets. Having to keep the ball out of the middle because the doubles guys have gotten so good at putting those balls away."
Shelton also mentioned he often participates in doubles to adapt to the conditions at a tournament before he plays a singles match. The 21-year-old will lose that ability by not playing in doubles at Grand Slams, meaning it is a decision Shelton has clearly thought carefully about.
"A lot of times it's getting used to the conditions at the tournament I'm playing before I play a singles match. It's a little bit more on your body. I'm young. I can handle it. it's like why would I not play doubles when prize money is crazy high I think in doubles. You get extra matches. It's another chance to improve."
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