Stefanos Tsitsipas has said that Ben Shelton is still "spiritually free on the court" following their second-round match at the Cincinnati Open.

World No. 4 Tsitsipas faced Shelton in the Round of 32 at the Western & Southern Open in Ohio. The Greek player received a bye in the first round due to being one of the ATP 1000 event's top seeds, while his American opponent defeated Christopher Eubanks in the first round.

However, it was Tsitsipas who emerged victorious from their match, winning a tiebreak in both sets to end the match 7-6(3), 7-6(2). Speaking afterward, the 24-year-old praised Shelton's performance, saying the 20-year-old is still able to be "careless."

Read also

"Still complaining 5 days later": Fans criticize Collins for continuing to reference drama with Sakkari at Canadian Open

Tsitsipas says Shelton plays like he did at first

"So he's still, like, spiritually free on the court. Doesn't feel the consequences of whatever he's doing. He has a great kicker. He can hit the ball, smack the ball hard. He's just playing the game careless, just like I did when I first started," Tsitsipas said.

This is Shelton's first full season on the ATP Tour, and Tsitsipas pointed out that the young player has "nothing to lose" against the top seeds.

"With players like this, they really have nothing to lose when they go on the court, playing on center court, against a guy who has had a few results on the tour over the last few years.

Read also

2023 US Open Men's Entry List lead by Alcaraz, Djokovic, Medvedev, Ruud, Rune, Fritz and Tiafoe (Last Update - 16-08)

"So, a player like him, they are relatively new to the tour. They are just getting started. As far as I know, that was his first year where he really started traveling outside of the U.S," he added.

Tsitsipas also elaborated on the advantages of Shelton's explosive and "careless" game.

"You know, with opponents like this, you've got to be careful, you know. They can smack the ball whenever without you expecting it, and you just have to be there 100%."

The fourth seed will now go on to face world No. 20 Hubert Hurkacz in the Round of 16.

Cincinnati Open

@CincyTennis

·Follow

Test passed 🙌 @steftsitsipas gets the win over Shelton 7-6(3), 7-6(2) for a spot in the final 16. #CincyTennis

201

Reply

Copy link

Read 2 replies