American Ben Shelton said that his loss in his first Grand Slam final to German Alexander Zverev in the US Open, the last of the four major tennis tournaments, on Sunday, will increase his appetite for more opportunities in major tournaments.
Shelton (23 years old) said: “It is a very wonderful moment. Stepping onto the field today was like nothing else. "I have never felt such a feeling before."
He added: “It is a feeling that a person gets addicted to when he is in such situations.”
Shelton failed in his attempt to become the first American to win a Grand Slam title in 23 years. But his best career ever in a major tournament witnessed his dramatic victory over Spaniard Carlos Alcarras, who has won 7 major titles, in a 5-set match, in addition to his strong return in the semi-finals against his compatriot Frances Tiafoe.
This represents a major shift compared to his exit in the second round at Roland Garros, then his even more disappointing exit in the first round at Wimbledon.
Shelton expressed his “disappointment” after the loss, and said: “I am motivated, but I am also disappointed with the way things went today. I'm happy with the way I fought over the two weeks, and satisfied with the progress I've made, but yeah, this loss hurts a lot. Now it's time to think about the next step. “I will try to continue developing and reach (Australia) stronger.”
He praised his opponent, saying, “He has one of the best serves in the world of tennis.” Today I broke him for the first time after 66 service games. If you add to that the rest of its capabilities, you realize how integrated it is. He has improved a lot at the net. He moves excellently despite his height of 1.98 metres.”
He added: “He also hits the ball very deep, so he receives the serve very well. He is strong from the back line of the field, and is considered one of the most physically capable players in the department. Therefore; Yes, he is a very difficult player to face; 100 percent.”
He continued: “It is clear that I did not play from the back line of the field the way I wanted. As the match progressed, I no longer had any doubts about my backhand, it was going well, but my forehand was not good today. I wasn't precise enough when I was attacking with it. I made many mistakes on balls that were within my reach (...). "I have to become more effective and dangerous with my forehand."
“Obviously it was bad for me in the last two major tournaments,” Shelton said. “I was sitting at home for 10, 11, or 12 days while the tournament was still going on, and I was watching others as they continued to advance in the competition.”
He added: “This gives me motivation.” Losing the final gives me motivation too, but this is where I want to be.”
Shelton's career witnessed a rapid rise after he turned professional in 2022. He entered the world's top 20 the following year after reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and the semi-finals of the US Open, and winning his first Professional Players Association title in Tokyo.
He now wants to become a permanent competitor for the biggest titles, as matches in 5 groups over two weeks against the best players in the world constitute a tough physical and mental test.
He said: “I was tired before I entered the field today. "It's a Grand Slam final, and I've played about 30 sets over the past two weeks."
He added: “This is an aspect that I can continue to work on improving, but it is clear that this is the first time I have reached this position, and this is the most tennis matches I have played in two weeks.”
The American, who has strong serves, also believes that he has a lot of room for development.
“I don't think I've even reached the level of player I want to be,” he said. “In order to win on Sundays, you have to play a very high level of tennis.”
He added: “Any player you face at this stage of the tournament is at his best and giving an amazing performance... I just have to be better.”
