Ben Shelton recently praised Carlos Alcaraz for his incredible versatility and skill on the court, particularly admiring his ability to “hit every shot imaginable.” Speaking after his strong run to the final at the Swiss Indoors Open in Basel, Shelton noted how Alcaraz’s dynamic style and charisma make him a captivating presence. Despite falling in the final to France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 4-6, 6-7(4), Shelton remains positive about his own season and has taken inspiration from players like Alcaraz and his Bulgarian colleague Grigor Dimitrov.
Shelton and Alcaraz, both young rising stars separated by just over six months in age, have crossed paths twice on the professional circuit. Alcaraz holds a flawless record against Shelton, having bested the American at the 2023 Canadian Open and again at the 2024 Laver Cup. Reflecting on Alcaraz’s game, Shelton shared his admiration for the Spaniard’s athleticism and sheer variety. “Alcaraz is a great athlete, capable of hitting every shot imaginable; he entertains the crowd and always has a smile on his face,” Shelton said. “He is a personality on the court, and that is what I love to watch. He gives me that feeling of seeing an artist but also someone who plays at the highest level.”
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s most complete players, combining technical prowess with an ability to read the game exceptionally well. For Shelton, this mix of artistry and competitive spirit is what makes Alcaraz a unique player to both compete against and observe. “Carlos doesn’t just play tennis—he performs,” Shelton explained. “Watching him, it’s like witnessing an artist at work. He’s just as entertaining as he is talented.”
In addition to Alcaraz, Shelton also spoke highly of Grigor Dimitrov, whose resurgence this season has been a point of interest on the ATP Tour. Now back in the world’s top 10 for the first time in over five years, Dimitrov has enjoyed a season defined by his refined and graceful playing style. Shelton likened Dimitrov’s fluidity on the court to that of the legendary Roger Federer, a comparison many fans and analysts have noted over the years. “Grigor Dimitrov plays beautifully,” Shelton said. “I think a lot of things he does are similar to what Roger Federer used to do: perfect technique, the slice, the serve. He is technically solid on every shot, and that is why I love watching him.”
Dimitrov’s signature one-handed backhand and effortless style have earned him fans worldwide, and Shelton admires the Bulgarian’s ability to blend elegance with technical precision. “Grigor’s technique is impeccable,” Shelton added. “He has that classical style that you rarely see anymore, with such attention to detail on every shot. There’s something inspiring about watching someone play with that level of polish.”
For Shelton, who has shown considerable promise himself, observing these players closely is not just about admiration but also learning. In his own breakout year, Shelton reached a career-high ranking of No. 19, capturing attention with his powerful serves and athletic playstyle. He has shown an ability to compete against some of the Tour’s top players, including a memorable run at the US Open, where he reached the semifinals. As he heads into his final event of the season at the Paris Masters, Shelton looks forward to challenging himself further.
Shelton’s first-round match at the Paris Masters will be against qualifier Corentin Moutet, a tricky opponent who is known for his unique style and defensive prowess. If Shelton can advance past Moutet, he will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in what could be a thrilling matchup. The Italian, who has recently reached the pinnacle of the ATP rankings, leads their head-to-head 4-1, with three of those victories coming this season alone in Indian Wells, Wimbledon, and Shanghai. Although Shelton has faced Sinner multiple times, he remains eager to meet him again, hoping to see where his game stands against one of the world’s best.
For Shelton, every match against a top player is an opportunity for growth and improvement. He has consistently demonstrated a fearless approach, often pushing his opponents and showcasing his high-intensity, big-hitting game. Despite some early-season inconsistencies, Shelton’s ability to reach finals and compete with elite players signals his upward trajectory. His coaches have emphasized the importance of building his all-around game, and the young American has expressed confidence in his progress and his future on the ATP Tour.
With players like Alcaraz and Sinner leading the charge of the next generation, Shelton is in good company as he rises through the ranks. The current landscape of men’s tennis is marked by a fascinating blend of youthful energy and seasoned talent, with competitors constantly pushing each other to new heights. Shelton’s admiration for Alcaraz and Dimitrov underscores his respect for the sport and his determination to learn from his peers. Watching Alcaraz’s artistry or Dimitrov’s precision only serves to fuel his motivation, as he looks to carve out his own legacy in professional tennis.
As Shelton prepares to close out his season in Paris, his eyes are set on finishing strong. The journey to the top of the sport is long and challenging, but Shelton’s natural athleticism, competitive spirit, and genuine passion for the game make him a player to watch in the coming years. With an eye toward further improvement and a mindset inspired by the success of his rivals, Shelton is poised to continue his ascent in the world of tennis.