Ben Shelton enjoyed a bittersweet victory in the first round of the US Open today as the tournament got underway at Flushing Meadows.
The American player was taking on Dominic Thiem with the 2020 winner at this event taking to the court at a Grand Slam for the final time.
That made the experience a tough one for Shelton, with the player holding a lot of respect for the Belgian player.
However, he had a job to do and he joined fellow American player Taylor Fritz in the second round with a comprehensive straight-sets victory.
After the match, his performance was dissected by former player Feliciano Lopez – and he had something to tell Shelton to his face.
Feliciano Lopez shares what he’d like to see Ben Shelton do more often
Shelton might have won comprehensively in his first US Open match of 2024 but Lopez has a gripe with his game.
He delivered some advice to the American’s face during his interview with Sky Sports and Shelton couldn’t disagree with the former player.
Lopez told him: “I wish you could be more aggressive sometimes. Coming in more. Lefty power!”
Shelton actually admitted that it’s something that he’s trying to add to his game and responded to Lopez.
He replied: “It’s something I am working on for sure. My dad always tells me at least one serve and volley per game. If I get to two or three then I’m playing more like you.”
Shelton will hope to enjoy best run at US Open in 2024
After a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over Thiem, Shelton should have plenty left in the tank when he faces Roberto Bautista Agut in a couple of days.
Shelton is the number 13 seed at this year’s event and ultimately the home crowd will give him a great deal of support.
The 21-year-old went to the semi-final last year at Flushing Meadows and perhaps he will have success in his sights again this year.
Novak Djokovic is lingering in Shelton’s half of the draw but he won’t be fazed by coming up against the player who beat him in the last four last year.
Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe at last year’s event and that could be a matchup for round three at this year’s tournament.
The youngster comes into the US Open in confident spirits and it will be interesting to see if he takes Lopez’s advice on board for the next match.
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