Ben Shelton
discussed with Gael Monfils a potential matchup against Rafael Nadal in the
2024 Davis Cup Finals. The 21-year-old American won the trophy at the Ultimate
Tennis Showdowns in Frankfurt over the weekend and qualified for the UTS Grand
Final to be held in London at the end of the season.
Nadal is
preparing for his retirement in a couple of weeks, where he will play his last
tournament as Team Spain faces the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the
Davis Cup. The finals will take place in Malaga, and Shelton will be part of
Team USA, which will face Australia in search of a semifinal spot.
A potential
showdown between the USA and Spain could only occur in the final, and Shelton
expressed uncertainty about wanting to play against Nadal, especially
considering that if that potential final happens, it would definitely be the
last match for the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
A clip of
Shelton and Monfils was shared on UTS's social media, where the American
mentioned that facing Nadal in a possible final match would be a ‘nightmare,’
although the Frenchman believes it would be an incredible experience: Shelton:
"Will Rafa play singles?" Shelton asked. "Because, are they
going to make him retire in doubles? It's his choice, right?" the American
pondered.
"It's
a good question," Monfils replied. "Rafa is Rafa, you know. If he
feels ready, they will make him play. 100%. And he'll be a beast.”
"If
it's our match, and he ends up playing me, I'm gonna be so tight. So tight.
He’s gonna be (grunting). The crowd, everything… No. This is my
nightmare," Shelton added.
"But
it will be a crazy experience for you," Monfils told the young star.
"I'm
praying that it happens. I'm praying it doesn't happen."
"I
understand. But it can be, as I told you, one of the best experiences of your
career."
Shelton
made his jump on the ATP Tour in early 2023 when he reached the quarter-finals
of the Australian Open while still being relatively unknown in ATP tournaments.
Since 2023, Nadal has faced ongoing injury issues that kept him out for almost
the entire season, and in 2024, he could not shake off physical problems,
competing in only a handful of tournaments, meaning Shelton has never faced
Nadal in an official match.
The Davis
Cup finals will be held between November 19 and 24 at the Martin Carpena Arena.
Shelton joins Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and doubles specialists Rajeev Ram and
Austin Krajicek. Spain will be led by Carlos Alcaraz and Nadal, along with the
presence of Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreño Busta, and Marcel Granollers.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
