Ben Shelton eyes Australian Open glory after Musetti win

Ben Shelton has renewed confidence that he can make a deep run at the Australian Open in Melbourne this week after defeating No.16 seed Lorenzo Musetti on Saturday night.

The American came into the match with a 0-2 record against Musetti, but served well and was clutch under pressure to prevail 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in two hours and 52 minutes.

Now, tennis bookmakers have him on the sixth line of betting ($34) to win his maiden Grand Slam title, something which the 22-year-old believes is entirely possible.

“I always feel like I have a chance. I always back myself,” he said after defeating Musetti on Saturday.

“Playing the big guys, I feel like I have stuff that can make them uncomfortable.

“I never walk on the court not thinking I have a chance to win.

“It’s just the way that I’m wired and probably why I’ve had some success in moments that I probably shouldn’t have had or before I was really ready for it.”

Shelton’s first big breakthrough on the ATP Tour came at the Australian Open, when he made the quarter-finals as a largely unknown 20-year-old.

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Since then, he has struggled to be consistent over the duration of the year, but has continued to be a regular performer at majors, making the US Open semi-finals in 2024 and the round of 16 at Wimbledon last year.

“For me playing him in the Grand Slam is different,” Shelton said.

“If I’m healthy and I’m feeling good, I always feel like I can go the distance, five sets.

“That’s half the battle, trusting in your ability to make it all the way to the end.”

Now, he finds himself in prime position to make the last four of a Grand Slam again, with Bet365 paying $2.50 for him to win his quarter.

The American is the only seed left in his section of the draw, with upsets of No.4 seed Taylor Fritz and No.5 seed Daniil Medvedev meaning that one of Shelton, Gael Monfils, Lorenzo Sonego or Learner Tien will make the semi-finals.

He takes on veteran Monfils in the round of 16, where the top online bookmakers have him as a $1.61 favourite to prevail.

“For me, I don’t really care who is on the other side of the court,” Shelton said of the upcoming match against Monfils, who he confessed has his favourite YouTube highlights package.

“Not looking to be part of the Gael Monfils Show and get wiped off the court.

“I think that anytime that he’s on the court, it’s a box office match.

“I would like to think that I add to that a little bit.

“I’m enjoying it. I know the fans are going to love it.

“That’s why I love Grand Slams. It feels like no matter who you are playing, what court you’re playing, it’s packed, and they go nuts.

“Couldn’t be happier to be in the fourth round and get to have a matchup like that.”

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