Forget copycat clay kings, rising American tennis star Ben Shelton is carving his path to the top. The 21-year-old’s 2023 was a whirlwind – from stunning Grand Slam breakthroughs to maiden ATP titles. Now ranked 17th and hungry for more. Ahead of the Australian Open 2024, Shelton reveals his unique blend of inspiration and individuality for his meteoric rise.
“I’m no left-handed carbon copy,” Shelton declares, dismissing comparisons to the mighty Nadal. While gleaning insights from the Spanish legend’s game, Shelton emphasizes his own brand of hard-hitting aggression. “I’m all about pushing the boundaries,” he says, “doing things my way.”
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Fueling this audacious spirit is a pre-match playlist of electrifying hip-hop. “It amps me up,” Shelton admits, “Gets me ready to unleash that power game.” But the American insists the real secret sauce is “pure hard work.” No superstitious rituals, just consistent grind.
This grounded approach served Shelton well in 2023. From a surprise Australian Open quarterfinal to a US Open semifinal showdown with Djokovic, he proved his mettle against the best. He capped off the year with his first ATP title in Tokyo, a testament to his relentless hunger.
2024 promises another chapter in Shelton’s captivating story. With the Brisbane International kicking off soon, the world waits to see if the American keeps defying expectations. One thing’s for sure: Ben Shelton is no copycat, he’s the original. And he’s just getting started.
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