Despite Acknowledging American Wonderkid Ben Shelton’s Potential, 61YO Tennis Legend Raises a ‘Million Dollar Question’ as She Refuses to Dish Out Any Prophecy

From a prodigy to a rising star in American tennis. What a journey this has been for the 21-year-old Ben Shelton. He has already been opined as the next Pete Sampras. But can he rise up to their expectations? It has been a long time since any American men’s player won any major titles. Can he be the oasis in the desert? According to some tennis veterans, he absolutely can, given just one condition.

Ben Shelton, recently got a moral victory after his defeat to his countryman Sebastian Korda in the QFs of the Shanghai Masters. After the match, everyone was impressed with the performance of both the Americans. Shelton even got an appreciation from tennis legends like Martina Navratilova for his performance and sportsmanship against Korda. Pam Shriver, a long-time doubles partner of Navratilova also jumped into the scene to praise the young lad.

Ben Shelton has impressed one of the greatest doubles players in history but she has a question

Pamela Howard Shriver, an American former tennis player and an Olympic Gold medalist came to a podcast recently on Tennis Channel INSIDE-IN. In the podcast, she revealed that she has a high regard for the rising star in American tennis. But there remains a string attached. What’s it?

When asked about her opinion on Shelton’s rise, she said “You kind of think about Shelton’s last 10 months say and he had the breakthrough down on Australia, got into the quarters, and then really struggled to win matches didn’t win back to back matches till the summer but stayed still so positive.“

The 61-year-old went on to add, “Speaking of doubles, he got to the doubles final in DC. I think he lost that doubles final. But I noticed I was like thinking to myself when he won those matches to get through to the doubles final sometimes how doubles wins can help set the table for singles and soon thereafter. But he really turned it back on in the singles and we saw what he did at the US Open.”

However, she looked a bit pragmatic when she said, “I think now, Shelton is going to be ready to keep marching along assuming he stays healthy, which is always the million-dollar question.” Winning and losing is a part of the learning curve but to keep the chin up and stay disciplined to maintain his health, especially after an exhaustive match is what experts seek from young Shelton.

READ MORE: American Wonderkids’ Camaraderie Unveiled as Ben Shelton’s Opponent Sebastian Korda Dishes Out an Endearing Message for Compatriot

Shelton features in the first all-American Masters QFs since 2017

Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda locked horns in an exhausting 2-hour 55-minute quarterfinals in Shanghai. Though Korda got the upper hand -6-7(10),6-2,7-6(6) against his compatriot, Shelton left no stone unturned. Shelton, known for his fiery serves had served 17 aces in the match. But cool and composed Korda snatched the victory. The 21-year-old looked drained out in the later stages of the match and with this victory, Korda will now play Hurkacz in the semis.

The number 20 in the ATP rankings might have lost this match. But getting praise from International Tennis Hall of Famers is no less than a win. Surely, this 21YO has a bright future ahead and as an American tennis fan, anyone would love to see him with what they’ve been deprived of for almost 20 years. What are your thoughts on this young lad?

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