Ben Shelton isn't bothered by being the top seed at the 2024 Houston Open, even though he has little experience with it.
The American is a relatively new player on the ATP Tour, and while he's been among the higher-ranked players for a while now, he hasn't really been in the position to be a top seed in an event very often.
Last year's breakthrough and Top 20 entrance certainly made it possible for him to find himself in that position, and he's experiencing it this week in Houston.
He's the top seed at the ATP 250 event, and he actually started well, winning his first match there. It wasn't a top performance, and he needed three sets, which indicates some minor issues, but he won, which is what ultimately matters.
Immediately after the match on the court, Shelton admitted that he was happy with the result and thanked fans for showing up to watch him play.
"Just really happy to get through it. It definitely was a long one. Sorry if I kept you guys here a little later than you expected tonight, but really happy to be playing here in Houston. It's a great fanbase that they have for tennis here. Thanks everyone for coming out!"
He also admitted to not being the type of player who really checks the draw too much. He's the top seed, so the nominal favorite in all matches, but he just comes to the court and competes; that's what matters to him most. He doesn't really think about seedings.
"I don't really think about it. I'm not someone who really checks the draw too much. I just come out here to compete and play. I’m just happy to be here in Houston. Some of my family who lives in Texas came out tonight so thank you guys for making the drive. You guys are the best!"
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