Rising American star
Ben Shelton has picked
Roger Federer and
Rafael Nadal as his dream opponents on
US Open's iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In a video for the US Open, Shelton was asked to reveal his dream US Open opponent. Shelton, who reached the Cincinnati Masters round-of-16 last week, said it would be either Federer or Nadal.
"It's gotta be Federer or Nadal, for sure," revealed the newly-turned pro. "One of those two. I mean those are the two I grew up loving to watch. Fed's obviously the classy guy, the face of tennis so one of those guys to be able to play them one day would be pretty cool."
Last week, Shelton stunned Lorenzo Sonego and 2022 French Open finalist Casper Ruud at the Western & Southern Open. The 19-year old announced his decision to forgo the last two years of college and turn pro this Tuesday, opened up about his admiration for Federer and Nadal in Cincinnati.
“I definitely looked up to Federer. Nadal is the clear choice because I'm a lefty, as well," said Shelton. "I liked kind of the classiness of Fed, the aura around him and the way he carries himself on court in victory and defeat.
“He was kind of like a good role model on the court, off the court, how he handled the press, just a class act. I definitely enjoyed watching him play tennis growing up."
After a good showing in Cincinnati, Shelton is set to make his Grand Slam debut at the US Open, where he was awarded a main draw wildcard.