"I’m getting to the point where I’m stopped by the toughest challenges": Ben Shelton laments luck after losing to Jannik Sinner for ninth time

Ben Shelton’s superb run at the 2026 Australian Open came to an end in the quarter-finals, where he was defeated 6–3, 6–4, 6–4 by Jannik Sinner and despite being crestfallen, he believes he is getting better.

Despite the loss, Shelton delivered an insightful and candid post-match press conference, reflecting on his performance, his rapid development, and the journey ahead as he continues to challenge the top players in the game.

Shelton praised Sinner’s performance while identifying where he needed to improve. “I thought he returned very well and was clutch with his serving,” Shelton said.

“The area where there was a big difference today was the second-serve return. That was a drop-off for me compared to earlier in the tournament, and that’s an area where I needed to be better today. I thought I played well from the baseline, volleyed well, and served pretty well for the most part. I just have to continue to get more accurate with my first serve. And yeah, I think second-serve return is huge.”

Reflecting on his growth and how he measures himself against the game’s elite, Shelton added, “I think my level is better. I’m getting better and becoming a lot less limited. This game takes time, and results don’t always come when you want them.

"I’m getting to the point where I’m stopped by the toughest challenges in the game for the most part. I do think I’m close to bringing it all together. It just takes one match to get over the hump. It’s always been that way for me.”

He spoke about the mental approach that drives him forward, despite the frustration of falling short in the quarter-finals. “I’m certainly not discouraged by a performance like this, but I want to see myself get out in front and see what I can do from there in a match, rather than falling behind.

"When I get out in front at Slams, I feel untouchable. I guarantee the other guys at the top feel the same. It’s a matter of time and work, just putting the pieces together. I’m not complete yet, but I feel myself becoming more complete.”

Shelton also reflected on his rapid rise over the past three years, acknowledging the perspective that comes with his achievements. “I know how blessed and lucky I am. I’ve got great people around me. I’ve become more and more addicted to this game – figuring things out, chasing the guys ahead of me. Feeling the pressure at a Grand Slam, there’s no better feeling.

"For me, it’s a privilege to be out here every time, especially at the four biggest tournaments of the year. That drives me every day, and I feel that drive getting stronger each year. Tonight, yes, I’m upset with how it went, but I have a lot of belief in myself and confidence in the work I’ll continue to put in.”

On the evolution of his game, Shelton noted, “I’ve become a lot more professional with the way I practice and prepare, my routines, the amount of film I watch, and how locked in I am during a tournament. That’s been a big change and something I need to continue stacking up. I’m a different player than I was 12 months ago.

"Last year at the Australian Open, my level faded quickly against Sinner. I feel at my best at Slams when it’s hot and the ball is bouncing – that gives me an extra dimension with my serve and shots when I can get it out of the opponent’s strike zone. Jannik is a very tough out, and I couldn’t get him out of rhythm as much as I wanted.”

Shelton also discussed the tactical adjustments he makes when preparing for elite opponents. “I definitely think about the top guys in training blocks. The goal is to put myself in situations where I can come through.

"Off-season, we discuss how to make top players uncomfortable in different ways. Match-ups are everything in tennis. I want to develop all my weapons, but also focus on scenarios that pertain to the top guys. It’s a big focus for sure.”

He was equally candid about specific in-match decisions, particularly regarding second-serve returns. “I had a couple of looks at second serves on break points and missed them or hit one weak. I needed to be more aggressive and intentional with my second-serve return. With other players, I can get away with just putting the ball in the court, but against someone like Jannik, I had to have more purpose. He was able to put me in uncomfortable positions and get offense on my second serve. It was more of a tactical issue than a technical one.”

Shelton clarified, “I’d say tactical. Having a specific purpose with what I have in that moment – my ability to return from deep and take the serve early – was key. Regardless of future improvements, it was about what I should have done today. It was all tactics.”

Despite the loss, Shelton’s reflections showed a player who is maturing quickly, learning from each experience, and determined to continue his rise. With the quarter-finals behind him, he now turns his focus to training, preparation, and building toward the next challenge in his burgeoning career.