Ben Shelton Admits Feeling ‘Cooked-Out’ After Grueling Cincinnati Heat Test: ‘Shock to the System’

Sometimes, even a $260 million upgrade fails to prevent uncertain obstacles. At the Cincinnati Open this week, ATP and WTA players have felt it on the court. Whether it’s the rain causing long delays or rescheduling of matches, or the “on-site power outage.” The 1000-level extravaganza has witnessed it all in a couple of days. But one challenge still tops them all, while making the competitors feel the heat – literally.

The North American summer has really made players warm, to the extent where they are left fatigued to even swing their rackets on the court. But some of them are still trying to keep cool and continue moving forward. For example, Ben Shelton, who just felt “cooked out” in Cincinnati.

After lifting his maiden Masters 1000 title in Toronto last week, Ben Shelton entered the Cincinnati Open (without taking any break to recover). While his decision was bold, the consequences have been slightly overwhelming. While his results are fine as he continues to shine, it’s the heat at the venue that is really testing his stamina and endurance potential.

Shelton bested his second-round opponent, Roberto Bautista Agut, in straight sets with a score line of 7-6(3), 6-3. In the first set, the Spaniard did pose some threat, pushing the result into a thrilling tiebreak. But the American didn’t give him much chance in the next one. It was Shelton’s third-straight win over Agut. He’s now got a 3-0 lead over the 37-year-old in H2H battles. While the outcome was in his favor, the weather wasn’t at the Grandstand Court.

Shelton battled through the scorching heat. Talking to Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, he confessed, “It was a hot day, first day match that I played in a while. I’ve been playing at night, cooler conditions. So I was a little cooked out there, kind of a shock to the system with the heat and the sun.”

This challenge came right after Shelton had to wait two days for his next match after the first round. And if you don’t know, his encounter with Agut was actually postponed due to heavy rain. And now comes the heat. Seems like the unpredictable conditions in Cincinnati are testing him constantly.

However, the American is focused on his goal to get better, especially ahead of the big New York challenge.

Ben Shelton looks to claim second-straight Masters trophy in Cincinnati

After capturing the first-ever ATP Masters title in Toronto, Ben Shelton was elated. “It’s a surreal feeling,” he revealed during the post-match interview following his summit clash against Karen Khachanov. Reflecting on his entire run at the Canadian Open and the dominant form he showed, the 22-year-old added, “It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”

Despite having no rest after the Toronto triumph, Shelton appears to be in good shape. His on-court performance is top-notch, and he looks ready to make another deep run. However, the American won’t settle for that. He would like to keep the winning streak going this week and eventually grab his second-straight ATP Masters 1000 title.

Before the US Open, doing so will truly uplift his spirits and confidence to shine at Flushing Meadows, too.

In order to make it happen, however, he will have to overcome the next opponent in Cincinnati. During the quarterfinal phase, he will now play against Jiri Lehecka. The good news?

Shelton leads him 1-0 when it comes to the H2H tally. Their only meeting took place earlier this season at the BMW Open in Stuttgart. That was a QF face-off, too, where the American beat Lehecka in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).

So, do you think Shelton will maintain his unbeaten run against Lehecka? Or will the Czech-native take his sweet revenge this time? Share your predictions with us…