Roger Federer’s connection to Ben Shelton is no secret. The American tennis sensation has grown up watching the Swiss maestro and idolizes him. Having an aggressive serve like Federer, Shelton aims to emulate the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Further, his agent is Alessandro Sant Albano, who is a part of Team8.

Team8 is a sports management organization co-owned by Federer. Despite following in the footsteps of the Swiss legend, Shelton made a surprising revelation that is related to Federer’s rival. The 20-year-old is making big strides in the tennis circuit. In the recently concluded US Open, he reached the semifinals before eventually losing out to the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic. Here’s what Shelton said.

Ben Shelton makes an honest revelation

Following a successful US Open run, Shelton got featured in an interview with GQ. During that talk, he opened up about various subjects like his rise in tennis and following legends like Federer. In one of the segments, he also talked about Federer’s rival, Djokovic.

Revealing his secret admiration for Djokovic’s method, Shelton made a candid confession, saying, “I’m not gonna lie, I check social media from time to time.” Further, he went on to add, “He craves the negativity, hearing from the haters. “I can use that for fuel, and it really helps me play much better with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.”

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In what was the first meeting between Shelton and Djokovic, the latter comfortably defeated Shelton in the last-four clash at the  US Open. Nonetheless, the American sensation got valuable learnings from that match which he took with him. Despite the US Open defeat, Shelton had something to cheer as Federer’s tournament made a big decision.

DIVE DEEPER: $775,000 US Open Glory Provides a Massive Boost for Ben Shelton as He Competes With the Top Dogs to Cement His Legacy

Shelton invited to play in the Laver Cup

After his US Open defeat, the 20-year-old was invited to play in the Laver Cup for Team World. His impressive performance at the US Open was noted and the American sensation was pumped up to receive this opportunity. Laver Cup is owned by Federer’s sports management firm, Team8. Subsequently, Shelton revealed how excited he was to be a part of this tournament despite people questioning his capability in the tournament.

The American star will look to capitalize on his brilliant US Open campaign as he aims to become the best in the world. Overall, it is a promising sign for American tennis, given Shelton’s rapid rise.

Watch this Story – ‘He’s a Perfectionist.’- Days After Novak Djokovic’s Friendship Bomb on Roger Federer, Ex-coach’s Blunt Revelation Shows Mysterious Similarities Between the Two Tennis Legends