The 20-year-old American, Ben Shelton, said he had an advantage for the duel against Novak Djokovic for the semifinal of the US Open next Friday after knocking out compatriot Frances Tiafoe in four sets in the early hours of this Wednesday.
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“Tonight was a real physical battle, a real test. You have Frances in front of you and the weather is above you, it is very muggy, very hot. We finished 75% of the points quite tired, trying to catch our breath”, he started.
“At the end of the Third set came the key moment, I was a little lucky but I was very firm on the last two points. For me that was the key tonight, to be tough and relentless, to know that physically I could go all the way, no matter how hard I’m going to keep it,” said the youngest American tennis player in 30 years to reach the semi in New York.
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Now comes the break until the duel against Djokovic: “I’m happy to have two days off in the individual draw, I only knew a few minutes ago. They told me I wouldn’t play again until Friday, so that was good to hear. At this point of the tournament, it’s good to have two days off”.
“I’m excited to reach the semi-finals and have the opportunity to go back there, with the same feeling I had today and against another very difficult opponent. I’m enjoying every minute on court, the interactions with the public and the tennis I’m playing. I hope to reach a great level of tennis next Friday”, he commented.
Being more specific about the game against the Serbian, he revealed that he had a certain advantage: “It’s a complicated challenge, like every time you face someone for the first time, in this case someone who has been through this situation many times and emerged victorious in many of them I know how solid Novak is, his mental strength and physical endurance, so I will have to plan my game very well”.
“At the same time, my play style is an advantage when I face someone for the first time, I think I can support some things you might not see in a regular ATP match. I’ll try to bring some different things and hope to be disruptive on Friday”, he finished.
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