Published 01/31/2023, 12:16 PM EST
Australian Open 2023 saw some new faces doing really well at the topmost level. With the likes of Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev exiting early, the positions were up for grabs for younger players. One such youngster who made the full utilization of this opportunity was American tennis star, Ben Shelton.
Playing in the Australian Open for the first time, he did splendidly well to make it into the second week. While the tennis world was happy to see a young gun rise, Jimmy Connors knew the reason behind his meteoric rise. Here’s what he said.
Jimmy Connors credits the hard grind at NCAA’s for the smooth transition at the top level for Ben Shelton
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Ben Shelton made many fans after his quarterfinal run at the Australian Open 2023. The American failed to advance past the quarterfinals as he lost a closely fought four-set match against compatriot Tommy Paul. However, hard work and talent was visible.
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 15, 2023 Ben Shelton of the U.S. during a practice session REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Speaking in his podcast, Advantage Connors, Jimmy Connors praised the young gun. Having gone through the NCAA himself, the American legend explained how it prepares junior tennis players for the next stage.
“I think that the experience that he has got. NCAA’s have been probably the toughest tournaments that I have played. Playing the number of matches. I played singles and doubles. You are playing two or maybe three matches a day. That experience and conditioning, your figure out so much,” Connors said.
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He further added, “In that time, what is necessary for you to make that next transition into the pros. So obviously he has learned well. To take that and to use that to help him go to that next level.”
It was a great way to start the year. Hopefully, we will see more of Shelton on the big stage soon.
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Father’s advice helped Shelton
Like other young tennis players, Shelton was also eager to play in ITF tournaments and play outside the US in juniors. However, his father asked him a simple question if he thinks he was the best player in his country. To this, Shelton said no.
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Hence, his father asked him to master his skills at the NCAA before taking the leap to a bigger stage. Before playing the Australian Open, Shelton prepared himself well by playing multiple challenger tournaments. With his magnificent debut in the Australian Open, the 20-year-old will now be aiming to have a great show in the upcoming home season followed by the clay season.