“Run It Back!”– Ben Shelton Shrugs Off Australian Open Setback As He Eyes Eisenhower Cup Defense with Compatriot

Ben Shelton has been making waves on the ATP tour ever since his breakout run at the 2023 US Open, where he reached the semifinals. At just 22, the American has already made it to the final four of two Grand Slams, proving he’s a rising force in men’s tennis. Known for his booming left-handed serves and fearless approach, Shelton is knocking on the door of a major breakthrough. While he fell short at this year’s Australian Open, his success at other events shows he’s always ready to fight. One such victory came at the Eisenhower Cup, an event he’s now looking to defend with his mixed doubles partner and fellow American Emma Navarro.

The Indian Wells Masters will once again open with the fan-favorite Eisenhower Cup, an eight-team mixed doubles event. The action-packed showdown will take place on Tuesday, March 4, bringing together some of the biggest names in tennis.

Six of the eight pairings have already been confirmed, with two more still to be announced. Here’s who’s set to take the court:

•Aryna Sabalenka & Taylor Fritz

•Emma Navarro & Ben Shelton

•Madison Keys & Tommy Paul

•Paula Badosa & Stefanos Tsitsipas

•Katie Boulter & Alex de Minaur

•Maria Sakkari & Casper Ruud

Shelton and Navarro will be back to defend their title after winning the event last year, where they defeated Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. The young American seems pumped for the challenge, even posting a throwback picture on his

Instagram Story of him and Navarro lifting the trophy. Tagging his partner, he wrote, “Run it back.”

While the Eisenhower Cup is all about fast-paced, high-energy doubles action, the real grind begins the next day. Main-draw play at the BNP Paribas Open kicks off on Wednesday, March 5, with Carlos Alcaraz returning as the two-time defending champion. On the women’s side, Iga Świątek will look to defend her crown after taking down Maria Sakkari in last year’s final.

Shelton had a solid run in Australia but ultimately fell short in the semifinals against Jannik Sinner. The Italian had already beaten him four times before their clash in Melbourne, and he made it five with a dominant 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. While Shelton showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled to break through Sinner’s consistent and aggressive game. How can the 22-year-old tennis player improve going forward?

Ex-ATP Pro believes Ben Shelton has room for growth

7-time Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander recently shared his thoughts on Shelton’s game and what he needs to improve going forward. Speaking on the KickServeRadio.com podcast, Wilander praised the young American’s fearless approach but pointed out key areas for growth.

“

He’s viewed as an extremely dangerous player with a lot of talent not just in his hands but also physically,” Wilander said. “He tries really hard all the time and seems to embrace the moment, so he’s a great competitor as well. And because he’s won already, he knows how to get it done and he believes in himself.”

But Wilander believes Shelton has reached a point where refining his game is crucial. He

said, “I think he’s calmed down a bit in his shot selection. Now is the time when you add stuff. OK, what we’re gonna do, we’re gonna hit forehands and backhands, but we’re also gonna hit slice backhands, and we’re gonna serve and volley.”

Before heading to Indian Wells, the American tennis player will make a stop in Texas to compete in the ATP 500 Dallas Open. With back-to-back tournaments lined up, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to fine-tune his game and build momentum heading into the spring hardcourt season.

Shelton has already shown he has the weapons to compete with the best. Now, it’s about sharpening his skills and taking that next big leap. Will he rise to the challenge and make an even bigger impact this season?