Ben Shelton picks his favourite ATP opponent and reveals big goal for 2028

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Ben Shelton has faced Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner during his time on tour.

Ben Shelton has already faced some of the biggest names in men’s tennis, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner. But when asked to name his favourite opponent on the ATP Tour, the American surprisingly went in a different direction.

During a recent Q&A on his YouTube channel, Shelton pointed to Arthur Fils as the player he enjoys competing against the most. The two young stars have already met three times on tour, building a rivalry that has quickly become one of the more entertaining matchups among the ATP’s next generation.

Ben Shelton says Arthur Fils brings out the best in him

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Speaking during the fan Q&A, Shelton did not hesitate when naming his preferred opponent.

“Arthur Fils. No doubt.”

Shelton currently leads the head-to-head series 2-1 after victories at the 2024 Swiss Indoors and the 2023 Laver Cup. Fils claimed his lone win at the 2024 Japan Open in a tight three-set battle.

The rivalry was temporarily paused after Fils missed several months through injury, but with the Frenchman now back in strong form, another meeting later this season looks increasingly likely.

Shelton also highlighted several of the best performances of his career so far, including wins over Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Sinner. One match he singled out in particular was his dramatic comeback victory against the Italian at the 2023 Shanghai Masters.

Shelton reveals major ambition for the 2028 Olympics

Away from the ATP Tour, Shelton admitted that representing the United States at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles is one of the biggest goals of his career.