Ben Shelton put in a brave, battling performance today, coming from a set down to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time in his career.
Already developing a reputation as a big-tournament player, the 21-year-old is one of just three players to have made the second week in every Grand Slam this year.
And now, with this latest triumph, there’s a tangible reason to start believing that he might be able to challenge them for the title at this event.
The grass is perfectly suited to his explosive game style, and he would emphasise that notion in his post-match on-court interview.
That was not before he joked about the Wimbledon atmosphere…
Ben Shelton admits the Wimbledon crowd surprised him
First, touching on the atmosphere on Court One, Ben Shelton admitted: ‘It was difficult. I feel like every time I play Sonego. We played at the Australian Open, the French Open and now here and every time I need a big point, he comes up with a highlight shot, and maybe the same vice versa.
‘But it was a lot of fun. I am getting very comfortable out here on Court One. I love playing in front of you guys.
‘I was told the crowds here at Wimbledon, before I came here for the first time, were a bit quieter than the other crowds; but I did not feel that today.’
He appreciated the trouble that Sonego caused him throughout, and continued: ‘I wanted to make sure I capitalised on the first one, that 15-40. Make sure I am happy with the way I played that last game. I felt like that was my best tennis and my best returning and it was what I will need to continue in this tournament.
‘For me to end the match with that sort of game gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.’
The American then finished by revealing his inspiration on grass: ‘Definitely my Dad.
‘He was in the round of 16 here, 31 years ago. He was a serve and volleyer. Big serve, came forward all the time and he would like to see me coming forward a bit more than I am. My argument is that I think I am better than he was from the baseline and he had a better serve than me, maybe.
‘So he inspires the way I am playing on grass, the way I move forward and how I’m cutting off angles and wanting to mix in the serve and volley style once in a while and be a little bit unpredictable on court.’
Shelton revealed his hopes for Wimbledon this year, and is surely set to achieve that feat in his next round.
Ben Shelton has everything to challenge for the Wimbledon title
A semi-finalist at the Australian Open.
A semi-finalist at the US Open.
A Round of 16 at the French Open.
And who knows what Shelton could go on to achieve at Wimbledon this year?
This is already his best-ever run at the All-England Club, with the youngster looking more complete than ever on the grass.
His serve is petrifying no matter the conditions, but this surface is perfectly emphasising his very best assets.
It is that reason and more why Shelton must be considered a threat for the Wimbledon title alongside Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
He will now face the winner of the former’s match against Grigor Dimitrov.
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