Ben Shelton admitted that the US Open final loss against Alexander Zverev is a tough pill to swallow. The American suffered a four-set loss against the German after he could not bring his best on to the court on Sunday in New York at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton is a two-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, has played in the Nitto ATP Finals and has reached two previous major semi-finals. The lefty was playing his first Major final after he had a splendid run in New York.
“I’m motivated. Disappointed with how today went. Happy with how I fought throughout the week, two weeks,” Shelton said. “Excited with the progress that I feel that I’ve made, but yeah, this one stings 100 per cent. Yeah, it’s on to the next. Try to keep getting better and show up in Australia even stronger than I showed up here.”
The American said it was a surreal feeling for him when he walked onto the court to play his first Grand Slam final.
“It’s such a cool moment. Walking out on that court today, there’s nothing like it. I’ve never felt anything like that before. Yeah, it’s an addicting feeling being in positions like this,” Shelton said. “Obviously, for me it sucked the last couple of Grand Slams sitting at home for 10, 11, 12 days while the tournament is still going on, watching everyone else run through the draw. It’s motivating. Losing in the final is also motivating, but this is the position I want to be in.”
Shelton admitted he is a late bloomer and he mostly faces some failures before getting success at the top level.
“I’m a late bloomer. That’s just the way that it’s always been. It’s no different now. I haven’t always been successful the very first time that I’ve been in finals, whether it was from when I was really young all the way up to the Challenger level and now the ATP, Grand Slam level,” Shelton said. “I think that it’s an ongoing process for me. That’s the way I see it. I don’t think I’m anywhere near the player that I want to be. I think I’m a great competitor. I think I compete really well out there on the court.”
Shelton would aim to carry his rich form on the tour.
