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US Open Performance Comes to the Fore as American Star Taylor Fritz Gets Real on Compatriot Ben Shelton’s Importance in Roger Federer’s Upcoming Event

Published 09/14/2023, 11:11 PM EDT

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After a tremendous spell at the US Open, all eyes were on Ben Shelton. The 20-year-old American gun surprised everyone when he managed to reach the semi-final of the tournament, defying all odds. Since then, he has been considered by many as an upcoming star. With his heroics at the Flushing Meadows, he has booked his place in Team World, as they will be looking to take on Team Europe at the Laver Cup. However, even before the start of the tournament, fellow compatriots Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul give some insight into the importance of the addition of Shelton to the team.

They also revealed what kind of atmosphere he would be bringing in and how it would help them repeat the 2022 heroics over their rivals, Team Europe. What exactly is the Americans’ game plan?

Taylor Fritz reveals how Ben Shelton can help them at the Laver Cup

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American tennis sensations Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul have shared their insights on the significance of Ben Shelton within Team USA for this prestigious competition. The top-ranked American, Fritz, believes that Shelton’s presence will infuse the team with a college-like atmosphere.

Drawing from Shelton’s successful college tennis background, Fritz expects an injection of energy that will ignite the entire team’s performance.

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“Ben Shelton will bring that college, team environment,” says US No.1 Taylor Fritz. “He thrived playing college tennis. That energy will definitely be there and pump everybody up for sure, I think he’ll be performing his best in this environment.”

Tommy Paul, a friend and rival of Shelton, expressed his views on the same, describing Shelton as “electric.” With Shelton’s prior college tennis experience and familiarity with the team dynamic, Paul is confident in his potential to make a substantial contribution to Team USA. “Ben’s electric,” he says. “I think he’s going to be great. He’s had experience in college, so he’s very familiar with the team atmosphere and I think he’s going to be a great addition to our team.”

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Thus, the impact brought in by Ben Shelton is tremendous as Team World will be looking to make the most of the tournament this year and their hands on the prestigious title once again after lifting the trophy last year. With the performance that they put on in 2022, they would be looking to carry the momentum going ahead.

Team World defeated Team Europe at Roger Federer’s last tournament

It was back in 2022 when one of the greatest players the game ever saw, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer played his last ever tournament at the Laver Cup. However, this tournament was also special for Team World as they were able to defeat Team Europe for the very first time in the five editions of the tournament.

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Led by Frances Tiafoe, the team managed to turn the tables as they did not show any mercy to the veteran Roger Federer, who played his final tournament. Thus, this year, they are looking in an even better shape to try and lift the title again. However, Team Europe would not let them go without giving them a tough fight. What do you think of Ben Shelton and his blistering serve bolstering his team’s chances?

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Written by:

Akshat Gaur

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Akshat Gaur is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2021 and has been writing since then. With over two years of experience in the world of sports journalism, specifically tennis journalism, Akshat is someone who is immensely passionate about covering the ATP and the WTA Tour.
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Edited by:

Mitali Dey