Ben Shelton ended the run of Gael Monfils at this year’s Australian Open with a victory in the third set after the Frenchman threw the towel in after some physical discomfort.
The 22-year-old has now equalled his best run at the Australian Open. He previously reached the quarter-final in 2023 and on that occasion, he lost to compatriot Tommy Paul.
This time around, Shelton will hope to reach a maiden semi in Melbourne. He faces the unseeded Lorenzo Sonego and he will fancy his chances of success in that game, even if the Italian can’t be taken lightly.
Shelton will be hoping to perform better on the tour this year. In 2024 he only reached round four at Wimbledon and lost in the first week of the other three Grand Slam events.
Ben Shelton makes Novak Djokovic claim after beating Gael Monfils
The youngster was clearly delighted to reach the last eight for a second time. He was in good spirits during his press conference and was quizzed on a number of matters.
With Monfils still fighting away at 38, it’s no surprise he had to retire. He’s not been this far in a major tournament since the Australian Open in 2022 when he reached the quarter-finals and naturally, the run had an impact on his body.
It’s a shame that he had to retire but Shelton is even surprised that Monfils is still ticking along and can’t envisage himself doing the same.
He said in his press conference: “I don’t think I want to be out here at 38 (smiling). You never know. I mean, I think it’s all about love for the sport, how much you pace yourself.
“Gael has given me a few pep talks over the last few years, at certain times whether I was playing great and doing great and playing a lot, or maybe it was that 2023 run where I lost a lot of matches in a row or lost early in a lot of tournaments in a row.
“He said to me, like, You know, it was important for him in his career that he found the places that he loved to play, and he focused on those weeks and doing really well in those weeks and knowing there are places that he doesn’t love to play and not stressing as much.
“That’s kind of the way that he’s been able to keep the love for the sport, and you are seeing this. He’s still entertaining crowds at 38 years old, which is remarkable.
“Obviously he’s done it in a way where he can still love it and enjoy it. It’s long seasons. It’s certainly an easy sport to get burnt out. In individual sport, it’s not like you have a team who can pick up the slack if you’re a vet and you can play less minutes. No, you’ve got to be out there for every point.
“So yeah, I’m not sure where I’ll be at 38. I’m focused on the year 22 right now.
Shelton record vs Sonego ahead of Australian Open quarter-final
It promises to be an intriguing affair because both players will be totally aware of what is at stake. Whilst Shelton is fancied to make waves in the future, Sonego at 29 might feel that he has to seize this chance.
The pair haven’t played all too frequently on the ATP Tour. In fact, the pair have locked horns just twice in their respective careers with the tale of the tape giving them both a victory each.
In 2023, Sonego emerged victorious in the first round of Roland Garros. An entertaining affair took place on the clay with the Italian emerging a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 winner.
In 2022, Shelton claimed his only victory against Sonego. The American came out the victor after three sets at the ATP 1000 Masters event in Cincinnati.
With that in mind, Wednesday promises to be exciting. Both players will view this as a wonderful chance to make the semis of a Grand Slam and it will be fascinating to see who comes out on top.
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