Davis Cup 2024 Qualifiers: Why Is Ben Shelton Not Playing for Team America?

The Davis Cup is set to begin in 2024. Team USA has won the tournament 32 times, and they are looking to go back to their winning ways. They haven’t lifted the trophy since 2007 but are aiming to win the championship once again. While they have two of their best players on the roster, they have not added Ben Shelton for the championship.

The young American did not participate in the tournament in 2023, either. There is no clear information about why he was left out of the team, but he is not alone, as many stars have not been chosen. 

Ben Shelton out from Davis Cup Qualifiers

The qualifiers are possibly the most important part of the Davis Cup as proper scores in these rounds allow teams to go ahead in the Finals. Team USA has always gone past the qualifiers and will likely repeat their result this year as they are set to face Ukraine in Lithuania. However, one of their biggest star players has been left out of the roster. Ben Shelton was not on the team roster.

The current team includes Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Korda, and Christopher Eubanks. Shelton ranked 17, was left out of the squad when Korda, ranked 33, and Christopher Eubanks, ranked 32, made it into the squad. One possible reason could be team captain Bob Bryan opting for experienced players. Additionally, Shelton is set to play in ATP Dallas, which begins on 4th February, a major scheduling debacle for Shelton.

Read More – Days After Expressing Guilt Over Missing Daughter’s Special Moment, Novak Djokovic Makes Priorities Clear With Bold Davis Cup Move

Shelton was not the only star player absent from the roster. Bryan opted to leave many players from the 2023 roster besides the doubles team.

Team USA drops most of the star players

Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Mackenzie McDonald were the players who played singles bouts in the 2023 Davis Cup. However, none of the three will reprise their role this year. Fritz, Eubanks, and Korda will take their place and aim to push the team into the Finals in Malaga. Doubles pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram will keep their roles. 

Shelton’s absence might be due to scheduling problems or as a part of a bigger plan by Bryan. Regardless, we will see the American stars play their hearts out this week and improve their results from the Australian Open. How far will each of them go?

Watch This Story – Iconic WTA Coach Reveals Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic’s Similarity That Makes Them Mentally Strong