2023 has most certainly been the year of the rising stats. This year saw the rise of some stars who could well make an impact on the sport for many more years to come. One among them was Ben Shelton. After competing in the challenger series for long, the American sensation came ahead and stunned everyone with his heroics at the US Open. Since then, there has been no stopping him. However, his start was not very good.

Reflecting on the same, Rick Macci, in an exclusive ES Fancast interview, reflects on how Ben Shelton underwent a transformative period. From being someone who lost $10,000 tournament to his US Open semi-final run, how did it all change for him?

Rick Macci reflects on a huge transformation for Ben Shelton from losing a $10,000 tournament to US Open semi-final

Rick Macci, known for coaching Serena Williams, shared an inspiring story about Ben Shelton’s tennis journey. Three years ago, Shelton played in a small $10,000 tournament called the Battle of Boca but didn’t do well. Macci noticed a weakness in Shelton’s backhand, it had a “bubble loop” that affected his game.

But here’s the cool part, Shelton didn’t give up. He changed his backhand style, making it stronger and more direct. This change helped him focus on getting the ball back in play, even using different shots like forehand chips. Not only this, but a change in his mindset and attitude helped him turn his downfall into success.

“The biggest thing is The Big C you know it’s confidence but he did modify now back the truck up a little bit here three years ago he played the Battle of Boca we have a $10,000 prize money tournament here every weekend. He lost in the second round,” said Macci. “Three years ago when he was at Florida you know what I mean even when he played here I saw a huge serve great forehand but he had a bubble Loop that I mean on the backhand. 

“I think his mindset has changed and when you have confidence you move a little quicker you hit it more in front you’re more alert you read it it’s an intangible thing in all sports okay so I think that’s kind of uh what’s happening,” he further added.

Surprisingly, this switch paid off big time. Shelton went from losing a small tournament to impressively reaching the semifinals of the US Open. Thus, Ben Shelton, who was just another college student trying to make his way into the world of professional tennis changed a lot in terms of his playing style and mindset which eventually paid him off.

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Soon after his heroics in the US Open, Ben Shelton gained praise from professionals all around the world. One among them was Macci himself. In an interview after the US Open, he opened up about the American international while comparing him to a pitbull.

‘He is a Pitbull’- Rick Macci goes all in on Shelton after his US Open heroics

Soon after he left a great mark at the US Open, Ben Shelton became one of the stars to look out for at the upcoming tournaments. Rick Macci, in an interview, appreciated his efforts while suggesting that he is a pitbull. He further went ahead to add that one thing that Macci was impressed with was his insane mentality.

“What I like more that anything [is that] he is a dog – not a poodle, he is a Pitbull. I like his mentality; lot of upsides. Listen, this guy is not going anywhere and it’s a great thing for American tennis,” said Macci while applauding his immense efforts at the US Open.

Thus, Ben Shelton, who has a lot of potential showed what he is truly made up of at the US Open. With a bright future ahead of him, he will be looking to gain more success and stun the greats of the game.

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