US Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton has weighed in on tennis’ GOAT debate, admitting his favorite participant in historical past is Roger Federer, reasonably than Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old additionally spoke in regards to the impression his father, Bryan, had on his profession.
Shelton was requested to weigh in on the age previous debate concerning who’s the higher participant of the large three: Rafael Nadal, Rodger Federer and Novak Djokovic. “I studied Nadal and tried to steal some secrets and techniques from him,” Shelton revealed.
“However my favorite has all the time been Roger. Novak Djokovic? In three years he’ll nonetheless be a prime 5, he’ll nonetheless win tournaments.”
Shelton additionally revealed his admiration for his father throughout an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. Shelton Sr. loved an eight-year spell as knowledgeable tennis participant, the place he managed to succeed in the rating of World No. 55 on the peak of his profession in March 1992.
Throughout his profession he received two ATP singles titles and two ATP doubles titles earlier than change into a coach. The 57-year-old has since stepped down from his position as the top coach of the Florida Gators males’s tennis staff and has determined to educate his son.
The information was revealed through an Instagram put up from Ben, who mentioned: “The dream staff is again collectively child‼️ Can’t wait to have you ever out on tour with me, and see what we will accomplish collectively.” After Ben’s admission, he revealed that he additionally regarded as much as one other American icon. “If I’ve to transcend the household circle, then I say Andy Roddick,” Shelton mentioned.
It is no shock that the younger American additionally selected Roddick as his favorite participant given the tennis legend’s skilled file. In a profession spanning over 12 years, Roddick reached three Wimbledon finals and received the US Open in 2003 – the place he earned the rank of World No. 1.
Shelton’s feedback got here forward of his spherical of 32 tie in opposition to Italy’s Jannik Sinner on the Vienna Open. The American managed to take his World No. 4 opponent to a tie-break within the first set earlier than shedding 6-7 (2-7) and 5-7 within the second set.
The sport was a rematch of the pair’s tie earlier within the month on the Shanghai Open. Shelton received their earlier encounter 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), however was knocked out within the quarter-finals to fellow American Sebastian Korda.
The American additionally spoke about Sinner within the interview, including: “He’s solely a 12 months older than me and has achieved loads. He leads a unbelievable technology of younger Italians and is among the many prime 5 of the subsequent few years.”
Following his defeat, Sinner was filled with reward for his opponent. “It was a really powerful match,” he mentioned. “He all the time serves rather well, and at the moment was clearly the identical. He’s assured, he’s a really powerful participant to beat. I used to be wanting ahead to it. I misplaced the final matchup, so I’m completely happy that I received this one. I’m already wanting ahead to the subsequent one.
“I want him the very best for the remainder of the season, I believe he’ll end the season robust. I’m very completely happy in regards to the efficiency and completely happy to be within the subsequent spherical.”
