- American tennis player Ben Shelton is hours away from his US Open 2023 semi-finals
- He believes that he can beat him
- Shelton advanced to the semis in Flushing Meadows after beating fellow American, Frances Tifaoe
American tennis player Ben Shelton is hours away from his US Open 2023 semi-finals match against Novak Djokovic and he believes that he can beat him.
Shelton advanced to the semis in Flushing Meadows after beating fellow American, Frances Tifaoe 6-2 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2 in the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Djokovic advanced to the last four stage after thrashing Taylor Fritz in straight sets 6-1 6-4 6-4.
This will be Shelton’s sixth semi-final match in a major Grand Slam. However, Djokovic who is a three-time US Open champion will undoubtedly be the overwhelming favourite to prevail in Flushing Meadows, but Shelton’s meteoric rise to fame in 2023 means the contest is unlikely to be one-sided.
Shelton, 20, believes he can use the Serbian’s superior experience and exposure to his advantage when they first meet, despite the fact that Djokovic is a more experienced player.
Ben Shelton at the US Open 2023. Photo/NBC Sports
He is aware that Djokovic is mentally tough and his physical form is top-notch despite being 36 and he has a plan to keep up with him.
“You just know how rock solid the guy is and how mentally tough, how physically tough. So that’s definitely something that I have to game-plan for,” Eurosports reports.
The 20-year-old American adds that he holds the advantage of never having played against Djokovic which carries the element of surprise.
“I also think that, you know, it’s an advantage with my game style playing someone who’s never played me before. I think that I can bring some things to the table that maybe you don’t see in your normal match that you play on the ATP Tour. So I’m definitely going to try to bring some things to the table that are different and hopefully disruptive on Friday,” remarked Shelton.
Shelton’s journey to the semi-finals makes him the youngest American man to do so in 20 years. He is one of the major highlights of the US Open much as Carlos Alcaraz is.
But it hasn’t been without its challenges. The youthful player when playing against Tiafoe had to dig deep during the third set tie-break after he threw away two set points and gave his opponent another chance, forcing each of his last three matches to a fourth set.
Novak Djokovic in action against Taylor Fritz. Photo/ English Jagran.
Nevertheless, he feels that he is more energized and motivated just by playing in the semi-finals against one of the best tennis players of the current era.
It’s an experience he values and he is looking forward to making more memories while the tournament lasts.
Djokovic on his part said that he is aware that it will be a big battle because Shelton has a different level of energy. His charisma is also something he is looking out for because younger players have a way with the crowd.
The world No.2 says Shelton is powerful and quick with his serves being too strong for a left-handed player which makes the match more difficult.
Still, he is ready for him as he makes a run for his fourth US Open title, hopefully in a final match against Alcaraz.
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