Ben Shelton
followed
Andy Murray's example with an 'unpopular opinion' and called for
changes in the schedule of the
Atlanta Open, as well as the
Mexican Open. The
21-year-old athlete is in Acapulco participating in the hardcourt tournament,
which is known for scheduling matches only in the afternoon.
The high
temperatures in Acapulco led the organizers to decide that matches would only
be played in the afternoon, starting around 5:30 PM local time, helping the
players avoid the hottest moments of the day."
“Would be
better for the fans for sure” – Ben Shelton
The current
world No. 17 took to social media to express his opinion that the ATP 250
Atlanta Open should follow the decision of the Mexican Open and compared his
comments to Andy Murray's 'unpopular opinion,' where Murray recently called for
a Masters 1000 for the South American Golden Swing.
Shelton
mentioned that making this decision would be beneficial not only for the
players but also for the fans, who can attend more during the afternoon and
evening hours:
"Hot
take like Andy Murray.... Unpopular opinion: a tournament like Atlanta in the
summer should only have night matches like they do in Acapulco, stadium here is
always packed, and a few other tournaments. Would be better for the fans for
sure, and probably end up with bigger crowds," Shelton wrote in his
Instagram Stories.
The Atlanta
Open tournament takes place in the middle of the year during the peak of North
American summer, subjecting the players to high temperatures. Shelton added,
'Daytime in ATL in July is unbearable.'
Successful
Start in Acapulco
Shelton
faced a tough battle in his debut in Mexico. The American went up against the
talented
Dan Evans (No. 41) and had to come from a set down to secure the
victory in the third-set tie-break, winning 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(5).
Shelton will face
23-year-old
Matteo Arnaldi (No. 42) in the second round, who caused an upset in
his debut by defeating the 4th seed
Taylor Fritz 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.