Ben Shelton's rise in recent years might make some assume he has many practice partners to choose from. The 22-year-old revealed why that is not the case.
Shelton's struggles to find practice partners could have made him concerned about not getting many matches under his belt before the Australian Open. He lost his opening contest of the 2025 season against Jakub Mensik at the ASB Classic.
However, the American insisted he was not worried about it afterward. Shelton, who does not lack confidence, felt he could shake off the disappointment and perform well at the Australian Open.
That confidence was justified based on his opening two performances. The No. 21 seed's huge left-handed serve fired spectacularly in victories against Brandon Nakashima and Pablo Carreno Busta. He has only been broken once in the tournament so far.
Shelton's form at the Australian Open so far is particularly impressive, considering his issues with finding practice partners. Hitting with other players in the draw is usually a cornerstone of preparing for a Grand Slam.
The former US Open semifinalist did not get the same opportunity that Carlos Alcaraz did before the season's opening Grand Slam. Alcaraz played an intense practice set with Novak Djokovic, which the Serbian ultimately won 7-5.
Shelton's issues with finding someone to hit with came up when he was asked in a press conference about the pros and cons of being a left-handed player. He claimed other ATP players only want to practice with a lefty when they are drawn against one.
"You can't get a practice [partner]. It's impossible, except for when the draw comes out and they play [Jack] Draper, Shapo [Denis Shapovalov], or Ugo Humbert. Then I get the look. Other than that, people don't want to practice with you as much."
Last year's Swiss Indoors runner-up revealed he is far less picky about his practice partners and is happy to train against players with various styles, especially since finding people can be so challenging for him.
"For me I don't mind. I hit with a righty, lefty, tall guy, short guy, serve bot, grinder. Doesn't really matter. Guys on tour, players or coaches, are particular about who they practise with. Big serve, lefty, that's two strikes against you. Finding hits can be difficult."
Shelton theorized that the hesitancy from his fellow ATP players to hit against lefties might stem from not playing against them often. But the American pointed out that it stops them from gaining experience against his serve, which is among the best in tennis.
"I'd say at the same time, people don't want to hit with lefties, so they don't see your style of game as much. I go out and play against somebody that said no to practicing with me the last four times, at least he hasn't seen my serve. Pros and cons, for sure."
Shelton will face Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of the Australian Open. The Italian won their previous two meetings, most recently at last year's Miami Open. It promises to be a thrilling contest.
