Ben Shelton gives his verdict after winning first match with Juan Carlos Ferrero in his box
Ben Shelton claimed victory in his first match working with new coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, as he claimed a thrilling 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 triumph against Frenchman Arthur Fils.
A packed crowd in Turin was captivated by a thrilling battle between two of the rising stars of the men’s game, with Shelton finding a path to a win that puts him in a strong position to make it through to the semi-finals.
“That was really intense, especially in the first set,” declared Shelton. “The balls were a bit older. I don’t know that I’ve played that many rallies out there on Tour on a court this fast. So it was physical, really physical. A tough contest.
“I was breathing hard after pretty much every point, and I‘m excited to get started in a match like that. Everything wasn’t perfect, but my overall level was good and I thought it was a great match. I will be able to build on this week.”
Shelton also spoke about Ferrero’s presence in his box as he added: “It was great to have him and my dad together there, two guys that are hungry, excited.
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“Already in the last couple of days, we’re putting in a lot of work, trying to improve every day. I’m sure they’re going to be happy with some things I did today and unhappy with others. We go from there.”
Prior to the match against Fils, Shelton appeared to hint that he was getting a little tired of the constant questions about Ferrero.
Hiring a coach who guided Carlos Alcaraz to six Grand Slam titles was always going to be a huge talking point in tennis, but Shelton may hope the Ferrero questions will not be a focal point moving forward.
“I mean obviously I get a lot of questions, but I think it comes with the territory,” said Shelton in his pre-tournament media briefing.
“Me, being a top player, and him being a former world number one, also a great coach who also has won many Grand Slams with Carlos.
“I think that the questions are going to come, it’s not something that surprises me and I’m used to it. But yes, there have been many, many questions.”
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Shelton will look to get his first win No 1 Alexander Zverev in his second match in Turin, with the German winning all six of the previous meetings between the duo.
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