Ben Shelton’s incredible season reached new heights on Sunday at the Japan Open, as he won his first ATP Tour title by defeating Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1.
In his semi-final match against Marcos Giron, the American overcame a set and two-break deficit to win. Carrying that momentum into the Tokyo final, he routinely took the ball early on return to rush Karatsev, winning in 84 minutes.
Shelton expressed his remarks in the post-match interview and said: “That meant a lot to me and my team. We have been working really hard since the beginning to build my game and win titles on the ATP Tour. I have made some deep runs lately. You see the great champions; they finish weeks off. They win titles; they don’t just get to the finals. They are able to maintain their level throughout the week. I am not saying I am anywhere there yet, but to be able to do it for one week and put together five matches in a row in Tokyo is really special.”
He paid tribute to his parents after the historic win and said: “I also want to thank my family back home, who I know have been watching on TV all week. No matter what time of night it was, Especially my mom; I know she’s watching. I know she hasn’t missed a match. No matter if it was 3:30 in the morning or 12 o’clock at night.”
Ben Shelton thanks his mom & family after winning his 1st career title:
“I also want to thank my family back home who I know have been watching on TV all week. No matter what time of night it was. Especially my mom, I know she’s watching. I know she hasn’t missed a match. No… pic.twitter.com/yhHz9Fy1F4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 22, 2023
Ben Shelton after winning 1st ATP title in Tokyo:
“It meant a lot to me and my team. We’ve been working really hard since the beginning to build my game into something that could hopefully win titles on the ATP Tour. This is something I’ve been pushing for. I’ve made some deep… pic.twitter.com/yHpDm4xnlh
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 22, 2023
Ben Shelton in 2023
Now ranked no.19 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 22nd of October when he beat world no.50 Aslan Karatsev 7-5 6-1 in the final in Tokyo to win his 0th challenger.
During this season Shelton achieved a composed 28-24 record. This year, Shelton lifted the trophy in Tokyo.
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Vienna. The main draw will start on the 23rd of October.
