In the Australian Open, we are seeing the same Ben Shelton as we saw the year before. Entering the competition as a heavy favorite, the American sensation has advanced to the third round. In the second round, Shelton faced intense pressure from home favorite Christopher O’Connell, but he prevailed in spite of the loud cheers from the crowd.
Shelton recently came forward to voice his thoughts regarding the Australian audience that witnessed his second-round match. He discussed his thoughts following a difficult match at the Australian Open in the post-match interview.
Shelton acknowledged his remarks while also expressing his sincere gratitude for the passionate backing of the Australian fans. He complimented those present for making the tournament have a special and distinctive atmosphere.
Shelton expressed his thoughts in the post-match interview and said: “It was tough today against a guy who definitely had that home crowd support. That ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie. Oy oy oy’ chant. I hear it in my sleep at night from last year. But I love the way you guys support each other. You guys do it right. Everyone who came out today, you make the atmosphere here special.”
Ben Shelton after beating O’Connell at the Australian Open
“It was a tough today against a guy who definitely had that home crowd support. That ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie. Oy oy oy’ chant. I hear it in my sleep at night from last year 😂. But I love the way you guys support your… pic.twitter.com/EaE46EYJht
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2024
Shelton at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.16, the American has achieved an overall 4-2 win-loss record in 2024. Shelton is now having a run at the Australian Open where he managed to beat the world no.72 Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 7-62 7-5 and the world no.68 Christopher O Connell 6-4 6-1 3-6 7-65.
Ben Shelton will play the world no.19 Adrian Mannarino in the 3rd round. Their head to head is 1-0 for Mannarino.
