Shelton: "I know my level is close, I believe in myself"

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Disappointment is the word that Ben Shelton has chosen to sum up his emotions after being defeated in three sets in the semifinal against Jannik Sinner at this 2025 Australian Open. The 22-year-old American faced the press after a painful result, particularly lamenting the missed opportunities in the first set of the match. Shortly after leaving Rod Laver Arena, Ben opens up to the media.

"Honestly, I am very disappointed. You come into the match knowing that playing against Jannik is tough. I've made a living on the tour up to now knowing how to close out sets, having two set points on my serve, it's very uncharacteristic of me not to have won that first set. Obviously, you're playing against the world number one, you're going to have few opportunities. Sometimes, you lose that chance, and your opponent raises their level. I did some things well today. I'll have to look at the match stats, it has probably been one of my worst serving days in this tournament, which is disappointing."

How do you feel physically?

"We all have something, we are in the semifinals of a Grand Slam, we have played many sets. He has played the fewest sets, but I haven’t played any five-set matches either. These are normal things. My leg was treated a bit on the changeover, so was his. It's part of the sport, things you have to deal with when you go far in the tournament, nothing too important."

Inconsistency with your serve

"Today he didn’t return as well from his backhand, that was an area where I felt I was getting free points, although I didn't serve exceptionally well. Today I didn't press as much on the rhythm because it's something he usually handles quite well. I have to work hard on my serve. It's something I need to improve."

How do you see yourself compared to the world number one?

"I know I'm close, that my level is close. I know I have a lot of things I need. I believe in myself. The goal for this year is to face them in every tournament or every two weeks. The top players, Sinner, Alcaraz, Novak, win on their bad days in three or four sets, they solve the problems. I’m getting closer to being able to achieve it. I'm disappointed because I wanted to see how the match would end. If I win the first set and we go into a fourth or fifth. Next time I have a set point, I'm going for the ace."

Were you nervous?

"Honestly, I’ve experienced it as something normal. I haven't been more nervous than in any other match. I guess I'm surprised by how calmly I handle it. I'm happy not to panic in big moments or stadiums. As long as my tennis keeps improving, my physical form as well, I like the position I'm in for the rest of the season. I want to feel complete on the court, with no limitations."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shelton: "Sé que mi nivel está cerca, creo en mí mismo"