Ben Shelton’s Pre-Tournament Press Conference
Ahead of the 2025 US Open, Ben Shelton, a prominent figure in the world of tennis known for his candid demeanor, found himself in a challenging situation during a pre-tournament press conference. The American player, who recently made headlines not only for his on-court performance but also for his outspoken nature, addressed inquiries regarding his sponsorship deal with On, a tennis apparel company linked to tennis legend Roger Federer.
Confrontation Over Sponsorship
During the conference, a reporter attempted to draw a comparison between Shelton’s affiliation with On and fellow ATP player Jack Draper’s recent switch from Nike to Vuori. The journalist posed a question aimed at uncovering the significance of Shelton’s sponsorship, insinuating a similarity in how both players approached their brand partnerships.
Initially perplexed, Shelton sought clarification, prompting the reporter to reiterate the query. However, the discussion took a turn when Shelton perceived the framing of the question as dismissive of his current sponsor. He responded with frustration, highlighting On’s financial success in contrast to the implications that it was a lesser brand.
“So, On is not a big company? Did you see the earnings report a couple of weeks ago? It’s not Nike or Adidas? Sorry, man. I don’t like that question,” Shelton retorted, making it clear that he values his association with On.
Preparing for the US Open
This exchange unfolded as the young athlete prepares to make his mark at the US Open, following an impressive run that included winning the Canadian Open in Toronto. At just 22 years old, Shelton has evolved from a player with a single ATP 500 title to a serious contender capable of facing off against the top talents in the sport.
Describing the US Open as his premier annual event, Shelton emphasized the dedication and effort he has invested ahead of the tournament.
“This is the biggest tournament of the year for me. This is the one. I put a lot of work into being in a good place when I got here. Feeling confident about my game. Feel really good and prepared going into this tournament,” he stated.
Emotional Expression in Gameplay
Beyond his competitiveness, Shelton expressed his belief in being an entertainer on the court, recognizing the importance of emotional expression in his gameplay.
“I’m never going to be the guy who can robotically go about my business and not change expression or show any emotion. I think I play better when I do show some emotion,” he reflected, setting the stage for what fans can anticipate as he embarks on his quest for a Grand Slam title.
