"Ben Shelton is going to reach the pinnacle" says Jimmy Connors with big future predicted for American
ATPMonday, 15 April 2024 at 10:10
Former world number one Jimmy Connors has backed America’s
young tennis sensation Ben Shelton to reach the ‘pinnacle’ in the near future. The
21-year-old is regarded as one of the most highly-rated players currently
playing in men’s tennis in the singles category along with the likes of Spain’s
Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Connors, who finished his career with eight Grand Slam
titles in his illustrious career, was recently quoted in a report where he predicted
that Shelton will eventually reach the very top and also believes that the ongoing
clay court season will him in becoming a better player.
"I think the next couple of months on clay, whatever it
does for him, it's got to get him in good shape, that's one thing for sure,”
said the 71-year-old. “If he can get in there and get stuck in and play some
matches and have some success, as he had shown in Houston, but then going to
the grass. I think these next couple of months, he's going to reach the
pinnacle if he looks after himself and his game.”
Shelton’s most recent appearance was in the ATP 250 event in
Houston where he won the title after beating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in
the final with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. Prior to that, he also played in the
semifinal of the Dallas Open where he lost to Tommy Paul with a score of 6-2,
6-4.
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Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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