Ben Shelton now reveals whether he regrets skipping the Olympic Games to play in Washington

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With the Olympic Games now in the rearview mirror, Ben Shelton has commented whether he regrets choosing to skip the event.

Roland Garros was the venue for the tennis event at the Paris Games and fans were treated to some captivating matches.

Team USA entered the tournament full of confidence and with a strong team and came away with two medals.

Both came in doubles and Ben Shelton denied himself the chance to add to that tally by choosing to commence his North American hard court season early, and he is now competing at the Canadian Open.

Does Ben Shelton regret missing the Paris Olympic Games?

The tennis world knew Shelton would not be playing at the 2024 Olympic Games when he opted to use the extra time playing on the hard courts on the road to the US Open.

Shelton lost in the opening round of the Atlanta Open on July 26, the day of the Olympics’ opening ceremony.

The following week he entered the Washington Open and reached the semi-finals where he squandered a one-set lead to lose to Flavio Cobolli.

The Olympics was certainly a spectacle and Shelton was asked if he regretted choosing not to take part, but he stood by his decision.

“I’m sad that I missed out on the Olympics, it looked like a pretty sick time,” he told Tennis Channel. “USA tennis was right there with USA basketball, that was a moment I thought was really cool for those guys and girls. But I am happy with my decision.

“I am happy with where I am right now on the hard court swing and I’m really looking forward to these next three tournaments, as they are some of my favourites.”

Does Ben Shelton want to play at the 2028 Olympic Games?

Shelton skipped the Paris Games which were played on clay but the tennis event at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles is likely to be played on hard courts.

The World number 14 would play in front of his home fans on his preferred surface, which is an opportunity that seems too good to resist.

After withdrawing from the Paris Games, Shelton did express his desire to play at a home Olympics in four years time.

“100% I would want to play in LA in 2028 which is on the same side of the world as the US Open and on the same surface but I guess we’ll just see,” he said.