ATP Dallas 2024: Ben Shelton Pulls Off Roger Federer’s ‘Sneak Attack’ to Catch His Opponent Off Guard

Roger Federer was a revolutionary during his prime tennis-playing years. The Swiss Maestro has inspired many players to pick up the sport, and the inspired mindset of players shines through in the current season. Ben Shelton is one of the many who have looked up Federer in their lives. He took it a step ahead as he used a move developed by the former number 1.

While Shelton is using some moves developed by the Swiss Maestro, their relationship goes a step further. Shelton is sponsored by the Swiss brand On from head to toe. Federer has a major stake in On and works with them to ensure their players have everything they need.

Ben Shelton attempts a SABR

Ben Shelton is a young player who has a flair for the dramatic. He is infamous for the ‘hanging up the phone’ celebration he engages in after he wins. Besides that, he is also known for trash-talking his opponents during matches. While he has been developing his flair, Shelton is also acquiring new moves with the racket.

Currently playing in the Dallas Open, Shelton has managed to beat his first opponent, Michael Mmoh, 6-3, 6-3. He used SABR (Sneak Attack by Roger), where a player picks up a serve much earlier than they usually would, to hit a winner against Mmoh. As Mmoh served during the second set, Mmoh served to Shelton’s backhand, and the youngster stepped up by three paces to hit a backhand down the line to win the point.

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While it became a signature move of the Swiss Maestro, he did not develop it early in his career. He came up with it in his mid-30s as he aimed to demolish his two greatest rivals.

While Shelton still picked up the ball from the baseline, Federer used to go in far deeper to return the ball. He would come very close to the serve box so as not to give his opponent any time. The technique was first introduced by the 20-time grand slam champion in 2015 when he was struggling to go deep into tournaments. He developed it under the guidance of Severin Luthi.

Federer used the move at the end of practice sessions to win points. His coach recommended he use it in a match, and he saw resounding success, which eventually led to the move becoming rather popular. Not many players have attempted it aside from Federer, but we are bound to see many take it up.

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