Ben Shelton remains one of the few American men left in contention at the Mubadala DC Open after the tournament began with 12 home players in the main draw. With several of his compatriots being knocked out early, including big names like Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul, Shelton has shared his thoughts on their unexpected losses.
Ben Shelton Offers Insight on Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul’s DC Open Exits
No. 2 seed Shelton kicked off his DC Open campaign with a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over Martin Damm Jr. In contrast, Tiafoe crashed out of his home tournament with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Térence Atmane, while Kamil Majchrzak defeated Tommy Paul 7-5, 7-6(4) in their opening clash.
With the first round complete, Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Alex Michelsen, and Brandon Nakashima remain the only American men left standing in the draw. While Fritz and Michelsen have booked a spot in the quarterfinals, Shelton and Nakashima will look to join them when they contest their Round of 16 matches.
During his post-match press conference, Shelton reflected on Tiafoe, Paul, Learner Tien, and other Americans losing early at the event. While acknowledging that returning to competition after a break can be challenging, the 23-year-old highlighted the added emotions involved with competing on home soil.
“No, I think the first couple of rounds can be extremely difficult when you haven’t played a match in a while, whatever you’ve been doing in the previous weeks. Obviously playing on American soil, it’s an emotional thing,” Shelton said.
Shelton pointed out that the tournament held special significance for both him and Tiafoe because of their personal ties to Washington, D.C. He also suggested that opponents were particularly motivated to beat Americans at the event.
“I know playing here, especially for me and Foe, it’s a tournament we really want to do well in. I think the other guys as well, but Foe and I just have so many ties to this city. It’s tough,” he said. “I think that being a top American here playing this tournament you also have a target on your back.”
The world No. 8 further called attention to the strong field at the ATP 500 event and explained why his mindset wasn’t affected by the early losses of his fellow Americans and friends.
“This tournament is stronger than it’s ever been when I’ve played it. I mean, the draw is kind of a joke this year in terms of the talent that we have. Jodar-Fils first round is insane, in my opinion,” he said.
“My mindset doesn’t change when I see other guys going out. I think that it’s tough because obviously it’s friends, but also competitors. There’s so many weeks on tour that guys who lost early this year, probably have a big week in a week or two from now, and all will be forgotten,” he added.
MORE: ‘Hurts a Lot’ – Frances Tiafoe Laments ‘Very Poor’ Display After Crashing Out of DC Open
Up next, Ben Shelton will lock horns with Ugo Humbert in the Round of 16 at the DC Open. A victory will see him advance to the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event, where he will face the winner of the match between Térence Atmane and Alejandro Tabilo.
