Ben Shelton is making a strong statement at Indian Wells 2025. The American tennis star has been in top form, advancing to the quarterfinals without dropping a set. His latest victory came against fellow American Brandon Nakashima, who pushed him in the first set but fell apart in the second (7-6(8), 6-1). This marks Nakashima’s fourth consecutive loss to Shelton. Now, Shelton awaits either Jack Draper or Taylor Fritz for a spot in the semifinals.
The Atlanta native is pleased with his performance and believes he is playing his best tennis since the Australian Open.
Shelton Reflects on His Strong Performance
“I think I did a lot of things well,” Shelton said. “The most important thing for me was how I returned serve. Nakashima is a strong server, and I managed to get a lot of returns in play. Our matches are always close, so winning the second set comfortably was a big positive for me.”
Key Adjustments in the Match
Shelton made a crucial change in his return game during the match. “I adjusted my position on returns, making it harder for him to predict where I would place the ball,” he explained. “He has an incredible sliced serve and can open up angles well, but I did a great job of closing those angles today. Returning serve is never straightforward, but I stayed focused and played with energy—something I’ve struggled with in the past.”
Mental Challenges in February
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Shelton admitted that February was a difficult month. “In Dallas, it felt too soon after Australia, and I didn’t have time to fully reset. In Acapulco, I played well but wasn’t in my best mental state. I wasn’t as tough in key moments and felt more irritable than usual. Now, I’m trying to be more consistent with my preparation and the things I can control.”
Balancing a Busy Schedule
Shelton also spoke about the challenges of managing his tournament schedule. “It’s tough because we have so many mandatory events. I have to decide whether to go home or keep playing, and sometimes there’s no clear answer. I’ll keep learning and figuring out the best approach.”
Rankings Are Not His Priority
Despite his impressive performances, Shelton isn’t focused on entering the top 10. “Honestly, I don’t pay attention to rankings. I focus on my work from January 1st and see where I end up by the end of the year. Everyone has the same 12 months and the same tournaments, so I just focus on my game.”
The Reality of Tennis
Shelton acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the sport. “Tennis is never simple. Sometimes you win in straight sets, and other times you fight until the third or fifth set. It’s important to stay mentally strong, be patient, and not push beyond your limits. Handling those moments well is key.”
Shelton’s strong mindset and form at Indian Wells suggest he could be a serious contender for the title. As he awaits his next opponent, his confidence remains high.
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