USA’s Ben Shelton said it is a massive motivation after qualifying for the ATP Nitto Finals in Turin. The American is third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin. The left-hander has not competed in a singles event since his breakthrough run to the US Open final last month.
Shelton suffered a four-set loss against Zverev in the summit clash of the New York Major. The southpaw recently withdrew from the Japan Open after admitting that the US Open and Davis Cup took a toll on his body.
Shelton will now take part in the Shanghai Masters.
“I think it is a massive motivation,” Shelton said to ATP Media when asked about how big of a motivator Nitto ATP Finals qualification is. “I want to be there playing in the Final eight. I want end of year Top-5 finish for the first time. I think there are a lot of things to look forward to at the end of this year and I am just excited about the position I am in to be able to compete for something big at the end of the year. I think I am in a good position but I feel there is still a lot of work to do.”
Shelton had reached his first quarter-final at the ATP 1000 level in China in 2023.
“I had my first big Masters breakthrough here,” Shelton said. “I had some great wins here. I think it is a special place. I think this is one of the best Masters tournaments on Tour. It is run so well. The centre court is great and for me it has been a great tournament and I hope to build on some of the success I’ve had here and go a step further and have some real runs here in the future.”
The American also expressed his gratitude for the support he receives in China.
“It is crazy,” Shelton said on the support he receives in China. “From the moment you land at the airport, it is the one country you come to and there are fans there, screaming at the airport. It is a pretty cool feeling. I feel that we are loved and accepted here and they do love coming to watch the tennis and it has been really enjoyable to see the fanbase grow over the years.”
Shelton will begin his campaign against Holger Rune.
