"I had to completely change my game to even have a chance": Biggest win for Ben Shelton in reaching Japan Open maiden ATP Final

America’s tennis star Ben Shelton has stated that he had to completely change his game to have a chance of playing in the final of the Japan Open.

The 21-year-old is often regarded as one of the best young talents around in the male singles category alongside Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

He booked his spot in the grand finale of the competition after beating fellow American Marcos Giron in the semifinal with a score of 6-7, 7-6, 6-4.

Shelton, while talking to the media after the match, explained how he had to cope with changing his game in order to proceed to the big match.

“It’s a huge achievement for me and my team, especially the way the match panned out today,” he said. “Definitely one of the toughest matches I’ve played in my life. Marcos was waxing me from the baseline in almost every rally and I had to completely change my game to even have a chance against him.

“To be able to get through that match, to not only figure some things out but get a win and be going into my first ATP final, the win couldn’t be sweeter.”

“The legs are a little heavy today, but they’ll definitely be recovered by tomorrow, I’ll be ready to go. I think if nothing else, adrenaline will get me through the match.”