ESPN Senior Writer Alyssa Roenigk reports that 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is set to face an unexpected opponent in the final tennis major of the year. Instead of meeting world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final, Djokovic will first face Ben Shelton, an unseeded American player who has been turning heads with his impressive performances. Shelton recently defeated top-ranked U.S. players Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe back-to-back at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In an interview after his quarterfinal win over Tiafoe, Shelton expressed his excitement for the upcoming match against Djokovic. He mentioned how he’s been enjoying every moment on the court and the interactions with the crowd. Despite not being the expected American player to make it this far in the tournament, Shelton remains proud of the progress that American tennis has made.
Shelton’s journey to the semifinals has been filled with memorable moments. His calm and confident demeanor in crucial moments, like the intense tiebreaker against Tiafoe, have showcased his mental growth in his professional career. Shelton acknowledges that he has been able to block out distractions and stay focused during matches.
Shelton’s powerful forehands and speedy serves have been a topic of discussion throughout the tournament. Against Tiafoe, he strategically varied the speed and selection of his shots, resulting in success on the court. Shelton’s post-match celebrations, including mimicking answering a landline phone, demonstrate his mix of seriousness and playfulness.
Prior to joining the ATP tour full time, Shelton was a star in college tennis and won the 2022 NCAA singles championship. He made a strong debut at the Australian Open earlier this year and is now competing in his first Grand Slam semifinal. While aware of the challenge Djokovic presents, Shelton remains optimistic and plans to bring a different game style to disrupt his opponent.
Although Djokovic has had an impressive record against American players, Shelton is looking to make a name for himself and has studied Djokovic’s game extensively. With technology allowing players to analyze opponents through film, Shelton believes he has a fair chance against Djokovic.
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