Andy Roddick Shares His Thoughts on What Ben Shelton Should Have Done Differently to Beat Jannik Sinner at Australian Open

Ben Shelton’s electrifying run to the Australian Open semifinals captivated tennis fans worldwide. ¹ However, his straight-set defeat to Jannik Sinner left many wondering what could have been. Former US Open champion Andy Roddick, known for his powerful serve and aggressive style, recently shared his insights on what Shelton could have done differently in the crucial match.  

Roddick, speaking on his podcast “Served With,” acknowledged Shelton’s immense talent and the excitement he generated throughout the tournament. However, he pointed out that Shelton needed to be more aggressive and dictate play against Sinner, a player renowned for his consistency and defensive prowess.

“Ben needed to come out firing,” Roddick stated. “He has one of the biggest serves on tour, and he needed to use it to his advantage. He let Sinner dictate too many points and get into a rhythm.”

Roddick further emphasized the importance of controlling the net, a crucial aspect of Shelton’s game. “Ben has a fantastic net game, but he didn’t utilize it enough against Sinner,” Roddick explained. “He needed to be more aggressive at the net, forcing Sinner to make more errors.”

The former world No. 1 also highlighted the importance of mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. “Sinner is a mentally tough player,” Roddick said. “Ben needed to stay focused and not let the pressure of the occasion get to him.”

Roddick’s analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges Shelton faced against Sinner and offers valuable lessons for the young American’s future. Despite the defeat, Shelton’s impressive run in Melbourne has established him as a rising star in men’s tennis, and with continued improvement and experience, he is poised for even greater success on the ATP Tour.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and Andy Roddick’s statements on his podcast “Served With.”