Ben Shelton, America's top clay court hope, won a title in Munich but exited early in Madrid. He aims to improve his form at the upcoming Italian Open.
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Ben Shelton is still viewed as Americaâs best hope for success on clay this season, already picking up a title in Munich.
But after that win, he stumbled in the first round in Madrid, leaving plenty of questions about his form heading into the Italian Open.
This tournament offers him one last chance to build experience on clay and to show the rest of the ATP Tour what he can do.
Shelton has spoken about his game on clay, even after what many saw as a surprising early loss in Madrid.
Photo by Chloe Davis/Getty Images
Speaking to Tennis TV, the world number six spoke about how the title in Munich has given him a confidence boost, even if things didnât go his way in Madrid.
âI donât know about afterglow, but definitely momentum. I feel good about my clay-court game,â he began, before rationalising that defeat to Dino Prizmic.
Shelton added: âLike you said, an early exit in Madrid, but not even a bad match that I played, so for me, something to continue to keep improving on, get better at and yeah, see where we end up here.â
He went on to discuss what made the difference for him during his run in Munich. âI think I just had great ball control; I was hitting the ball really well off both sides. Especially my backhand corner â it was actually probably my better side from the baseline. I was just so solid off that wing.
Shelton recently spoke about who he enjoys facing most on tour and also shared a long-term goal heâs set for himself for 2028.
Ben Shelton exited in the first round of the Madrid Open after previously winning a title in Munich.
Shelton's early exit raises questions about his form as he prepares for the Italian Open, which is crucial for gaining experience on clay.
Ben Shelton's next tournament is the Italian Open, where he hopes to showcase his skills on clay.
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Ben Shelton may be focused on the Italian Open right now, but thereâs already some news out about his plans for later in the year.
Itâs been confirmed that heâll play for Team World at the 2026 Laver Cup, which takes place in September.
Shelton will join Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur on a strong Team World squad. For now, only Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have been confirmed for Team Europe.
Team captain Andre Agassi said: âPat and I couldnât be happier that Ben is joining the team.
âHe is a dynamic talent that will help us in singles, doubles, as well as with his infectious energy in the locker room and from the bench.â
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