- Ben Shelton Paris Olympics 2024 isn’t something he is interested in
- Tennis pundits while respecting his decision to sit out say that this is a recipe for controversy
- He is currently playing at the Indian Wells
Ben Shelton Paris Olympics 2024 isn’t something he is interested in despite the prestige it comes with.
The Atlanta-born American tennis player says that he is not so keen on representing at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the French capital.
Tennis pundits while respecting his decision to sit out say that this is a recipe for controversy by the world No. 16.
Ben Shelton Paris Olympics 2024 Absence
The 21-year-old native stated at a press conference in Indian Wells that he did not want to compete in the Olympic tennis competition due to the level of commitment involved.
He considers the four-year appointment as an additional burden on an already extremely demanding ATP schedule.
“I’ve thought about it a lot. At the moment I can say that I’m quite inclined not to go this year, in case I qualify. I think they fit into the tennis schedule in a complicated way,” he said.
A lot of tennis players always look forward to participating in the Olympic Games in a rush to bag the historic gold medal. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic among many other tennis players have expressed a desire to participate in this event.
Djokovic when asked about Paris Olympics 2024 said that his only major drive is winning a gold medal and his tennis career will be complete.
Despite a stellar career with numerous Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold has eluded him across four attempts. He views it as a major missing piece in his trophy cabinet.
Why is 2024 Paris Olympic Games Important for Tennis Players?
For tennis players, the Summer Olympics offer a unique and prestigious challenge beyond the Grand Slams. Here’s why it holds such weight.
Winning a medal, especially gold, represents your country on the world’s biggest sporting stage. It offers players a chance to become a national hero and inspire future generations.
The Olympics gather the best players under a single banner. Facing these rivals with the added pressure of national pride elevates the competition, pushing players to their absolute limits.
Further, an Olympic gold medal is a career-defining achievement. Legends like Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi hold their Olympic titles in high regard alongside their Grand Slam victories.
Unlike most tennis events, the Olympics offer doubles competitions. This allows players to experience the joy of teamwork in the pursuit of a gold medal.
Lastly, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics will be a global spectacle, watched by billions of people. This exposure usually elevates a player’s profile, leading to lucrative sponsorships and increased fan following.
Some of the other tennis players who will be in Paris include Alexander Zverev, Iga Swiatek, Aryba Sabalenka, and, perhaps Rafael Nadal.
Did Ben Shelton at 2024 Indian Wells
Ben Shelton at the Indian Wells. Photo/Yardbarker
Shelton was back in action at Indian Wells on Sunday night. He, battled his way past Francisco Cerundolo, the 22nd seed, 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-6(5), to advance to the BNP Paribas Open fourth round.
After two hours and forty-three minutes, the big-serving 16th seed advanced despite only hitting six aces. According to Infosys ATP Stats, Cerundolo, who enjoys using his forehand to control play, saved nine of the break points he encountered.
Shelton, though, handled pressure well in both tie-breaks. He gave credit to his box for helping him control his anxiety when it counted most.
“A lot of help from my box over there keeping me calm after losing the second set. Definitely took a lot out of me tonight. It’s just one of those atmospheres you love playing in. There’s people screaming for me,” ATP Tour reports.
He will face off with 2024 Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner in the round of 16. Sinner is steadily rising in ATP Tour this season having won his first Grand Slam in Melbourne and followed it up with victory at the Rotterdam Open.
He is a top contender for this ATP Masters 1000 event.
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