Ben Shelton thinks he’s doing something very well right now which is helping him at French Open

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Ben Shelton is pleased with how he is adjusting to the conditions at the French Open.

It has been a challenging first week for the players in Paris as multiple rain delays threw the tournament schedule into disarray.

When it is dry, the cloudy, grey skies and low temperatures have made for slow and heavy conditions for the competitors to contend with.

Despite playing in a far from ideal environment, Shelton is enjoying finding ways to overcome the obstacles in his path.

Ben Shelton is happy with his game at Roland Garros

Shelton defeated veteran Kei Nishikori to reach the third round of Roland Garros for the first time in his career when the 34-year-old retired hurt due to a shoulder injury. 

During his post match press conference, Shelton, 21, who won his first clay court title in April, explained what he is enjoying about his game at present.

“I think being able to deal with different conditions, I have a game which suits a lot of surfaces and situations,” the American said.

“Using those tools correctly is what I’m learning through each match and each tournament. One of the things is that I am moving pretty well right now.

“Feeling comfortable moving on this surface. That helps a lot, when you have days which are a bit slower and the conditions aren’t as good.”

Who will Ben Shelton play in the French Open third round?

After beating Nishikori, Shelton advanced to the third round at Roland Garros for the first time in his career. If he wants to reach round four, he has to get past the 21st seed and Madrid Open runner-up, Felix Auger-Alliasime.

The Canadian is one of only three men to have taken the 14-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal to five sets, which he did in the fourth round back in 2022.

Previewing the match, Shelton told reporters: “I’m really excited, great guy first of all, good friends with him. I think that we’ll both enjoy this match. You know he’s a great server. He’s good at attacking, taking time away and is a pretty elite athlete as well.

“So I think it’ll be a battle. I think I definitely got to go out there physically ready and ready to go distance cuz I know nothing will be easy out there, but I’m really excited.”