"This guy has got more upside than any other American I believe": McEnroe gives high praise to rising star Shelton after Quarter-Final set
ATP
Former world number one John McEnroe believes that young
tennis sensation Ben Shelton has the highest ceiling out of all the American
players in the ATP circuit.
The 20-year-old is one of the most highly-rated youngsters alongside
the current world number one Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the
circuit.
McEnroe, while talking to Eurosport, stated that Shelton — who
is currently taking part in the US Open 2023 — has the highest ceiling out of
all the American players currently playing in the ATP circuit.
"The serve is amazing," said the 64-year-old. "He's
a great kid, he looks to be in really good shape. He's finally come around,
he's doing his thing. He got a little cocky here when he saw the 149mph. I
would be too. That would be what I normally do in kilometres!
"This guy has got
more upside than any other American I believe. I thought that in Australia.
He's had some growing pains. But I tell you what, this guy is going to be the
real deal."
Shelton has booked his place in the quarterfinal of the
fourth and final Grand Slam of the year after beating fellow American Tommy Paul
in the round of 16 with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 on Sunday.
He is now set to face another American player Frances Tiafoe
in the last-eight encounter of the US Open on Tuesday.
Talking about that match, McEnroe, who won seven Grand Slams
in his illustrious career including four US Open and three Wimbledon titles, was
of the opinion that such encounters is ‘great’ for American tennis.
"It's great for American tennis to see two
African-Americans," he said. "It's going to inspire a whole bunch of
kids to go out there and play tennis. It's going to be fantastic for our sport
here in America."
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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