By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, January 20, 2025
Image courtesy: ROLEX
Young tennis rising star Ben Shelton felt an exhilarating sense of joy as he cheered for his idol Gael Monfils.
Experiencing the thrill of competing against his tennis inspiration for the very first time at the Australian Open sent thrilling chills down Shelton’s spine.
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The 22-year-old Shelton was ahead 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 1-0 when the 38-year-old Monfils had to retire from their fourth-round clash due to a back injury, concluding nearly three hours of intense action.
The left-handed sensation ended Monfils’ impressive eight-match winning streak, which had followed an outstanding victory against US Open finalist Taylor Fritz in the previous round.
This moment filled Shelton with “goosebumps.”
Post-match, Shelton reflected on the challenge of facing the dynamic Monfils, describing it as an emotional rollercoaster: transitioning from a fan to a fierce competitor.
“It’s always tough. The child in me roots for Gael to win,” Shelton expressed to the media in Melbourne. “I always look forward to his highlight moments and incredible shots. The crowd naturally rallied behind him today, which I appreciated; being part of such an atmosphere was special. Even if the entire stadium was against me, it’s precisely these experiences that give you goosebumps.”
Though this was their inaugural professional encounter, Shelton and Monfils share a unique connection and mutual respect.
Seeded 21st, Shelton recalled how Monfils provided encouragement after his own challenging period in 2023, where he faced an unexpected stretch of 11 first-round exits. Monfils offered a “pep talk” and invaluable advice during that tough time.
Monfils, known for his consecutive 19-year streak of reaching at least one ATP final, advised Shelton that understanding which tournaments he enjoys the most was key to maintaining his passion for the game. By managing his schedule around those preferred events, he remained energized and engaged in tennis.
“Back in 2023, I struggled significantly, enduring multiple early exits,” Shelton recounted. “He mentioned that finding joy in specific tournaments was vital for his longevity in the sport, and he prioritized those weeks, taking the pressure off from events he wasn’t as fond of.”
“Monfils’s approach has helped him maintain his love for the game—at 38, he continues to captivate audiences, which is astonishing.”
“It’s a long season, and it’s easy to burn out in an individual sport. There’s no team support to share the responsibilities.”
Going head-to-head with Monfils’s incredible athleticism and theatrical style presents its own mental challenges, as Shelton noted.
Monfils possesses a remarkable ability to project positivity, which can sometime lead to a false sense of security. Shelton shared that Monfils’s demeanor may not always indicate fatigue, interpreting moments of rest as strategic.
“While it’s enjoyable to experience, you must maintain focus while competing,” Shelton elaborated. “Monfils can easily lull you into a relaxed state. Before you know it, you could be down two sets without realizing how quickly time has passed.”
“He’s a player you must remain focused against. At times, he might seem exhausted, leaning over for a breather, yet he surprises opponents with incredible reflexes and sharp shots, leaving them questioning their strategies.”
After his thrilling performance, the US Open semifinalist Shelton is set to face 55th-ranked Italian contender Lorenzo Sonego for a semifinals opportunity.
Sonego has been a tough competitor in this tournament, recently overcoming Stan Wawrinka, Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca, and talented 19-year-old American qualifier Learner Tien to make significant waves in the competition.
“For me, it’s a matter of urgency,” Shelton explained regarding his ambition for a major final appearance. “It’s essential to acknowledge that reaching this stage requires consistent performance, but every matchup brings new challenges, especially when facing those who are also approaching their peak form.”
