Ben Shelton has stirred up a discussion within the tennis community with his bold suggestion regarding the scheduling of matches at the Atlanta event during the summer. Shelton proposes that the tournament should exclusively feature night matches, drawing inspiration from successful implementations seen in other tournaments like Acapulco.
In a tweet, Shelton expressed his opinion, stating, “Hot take like Andy Murray…. Unpopular opinion: a tournament like Atlanta in the summer should only have night matches like they do in Acapulco, stadium here is always packed, and a few other tournaments. Would be better for the fans for sure, and probably end up with bigger crowds.”
Shelton’s proposition is grounded in the belief that night matches would enhance the overall experience for spectators, leading to larger crowds and a more vibrant atmosphere. He points to the consistently packed stadiums observed during night sessions at tournaments such as Acapulco as evidence of the potential success of this scheduling approach.
While Shelton’s suggestion may be considered unconventional, it raises pertinent questions about optimizing the tournament experience for both players and fans. The prospect of evening matches in Atlanta’s summer heat could offer relief to players and create a more comfortable viewing environment for attendees.
As discussions continue, Shelton’s advocacy for night matches only at the Atlanta summer event serves as a catalyst for innovation and progress within the sport, highlighting the importance of considering alternative approaches to tournament scheduling.
Shelton in Acapulco, ranking, and results in 2024
Now ranked no.17, the American owns a compiled 8-4 match record in 2024. The American is currently playing in Acapulco where he conquered the world no.41 Daniel Evans 2-6 7-5 7-65 and the world no.42 Matteo Arnaldi 7-61 3-6 6-3.
Ben Shelton will compete against the world no.11 Casper Ruud in the quarter. Their actual head to head record is 1-1.
Shelton will compete next in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of March.
Ben Shelton |
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