Ben Shelton had a funny Monday. The young American defeated one of his idols, Gaël Monfils, in the round of 16 of the Australian Open. The 22-year-old put up a superb battle for three sets and then took advantage of the French veteran’s abandonment, victim of “stabs” in the thigh. No secrets, Shelton I used My sonwho logically gave in. Obviously, this conclusion was special for the American. The latter paid a nice tribute to the Frenchman on the court and then at a press conference. Note that he will have a superb shot to play against a player who was not expected, Lorenzo Sonego. He will aim for a second Grand Slam semi-final after the one lost in 2023 at l’US Open against a certain Novak Djokovic.
Video – Ben Shelton in the quarters of the Australian Open
Find the men’s draw for the Australian Open here
Find the women’s draw for the Australian Open here
“I always say he has the best highlights of all time”
“Obviously he played a lot of long matches, so I wanted it to be as physical as possible”said Shelton during his on-court interview. “There are a lot of things he does incredibly well, counter-attacking, making you uncomfortable on the court, going to the net. That’s why it was difficult to find the balance, because he was serving so well. Gaël is someone I’ve watched since I was a kid, I always say he has the best highlights ever, and you saw some of them tonight at 38, I hope I do. still walks without crutches… Pushing me like he did it today and entertaining everyone in New Zealand and Australia like he did for the last two weeks, it’s really impressive. I hope I can create memories like that with my family who. looks at me at this age, because it’s really special and unheard of in any other sport.”
“The little boy in me wants to see Gaël win”
At a press conference, Shelton was once again complimentary to the Monf”https://www.tennisactu.net/.”It’s always difficult. The little boy in me wants to see Gaël win. It’s like the players get angry when the crowd is against them or for them, but all I could do today was appreciate the fans who supported him. It was a great moment for me to participate. Obviously most of the stadium was against me, but it’s something that gives you goosebumps and something you live for.”
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“Staying calm is almost half the battle for me”
Calm, the American arrives confident and determined to play his third quarter in a Grand Slam. “It’s a kind of calm, of confidence. I feel very good about myself and my game. There is no panic, at least for me. I’m getting to these stages and I know I’m going to go out there and have a good rhythm when I get to this stage of the tournament. How do I manage these big moments and how do I control myself physically? Staying calm is almost half the battle for me. Yes, it’s definitely a change. We arrive at the second week and, for the men, we have played so many sets that it is almost impossible not to get into a good rhythm. Normally, you don’t get to the quarter-final or semi-final of a Slam tournament without seeing someone who is not playing well. Sometimes nerves play a role and in some parts of the match guys can’t play well, but generally at that stage you’re in great shape.”
