Ben Shelton reveals big lesson he learned from Dominic Thiem's brutal case

08/27/2024 09:25 PM

Ben Shelton had only positive words about Dominic Thiem following their US Open match and also revealed that the Austrian's example taught him how "unforgiving" tennis can be and that nothing can be taken for granted.

On the opening day at Flushing Meadows, American world No. 13 Shelton ousted former world No. 3 Thiem 6-4 6-2 6-2 to end the 30-year-old's last campaign in New York. 

Four years ago, Thiem became a Grand Slam champion after saving a championship point in a five-set comeback win against Alexander Zverev. This year, Thiem is ranked at No. 210 in the world and he made the main draw after the tournament organizers awarded him a main draw wildcard.

But in those four years, Thiem endured a lot as a wrist injury sustained in 2021 required surgery - he was out for 10 months - and later never managed to come even close to his past level. 

Shelton, who is 21 and regarded as one of the most promising and talented players in the game, wasn't even in pro tennis when Thiem made four Grand Slam finals and was widely considered one of the best in the game. And after watching Thiem in the past and seeing everything that an injury forced the Austrian to decide to retire after this season, Shelton says there is a lot that can be learned there. 

"So I saw the ones in Australia -- sorry, in the French Open. There was one year I think he played Nadal in the final, but he was playing crazy that year. Yeah, that was special to watch, as well. Yeah, obviously I have been out here a couple years now, and he's kind of been in and out playing tournaments and not playing tournaments. So you hate to see a guy like that, such a nice guy, great player, go through the injuries and deal with all that he's dealt with," Shelton said.

"But I think if I learn anything from him, it's that, you know, this is a game that is unforgiving. Things can change quick. You can be at the top of the game, and your body doesn't hold up or some freak accident happens, injuries happen all the time. So tennis isn't forever. I think that's one thing to learn and take away. Obviously still had a career that a lot of people dream about. But yeah, things can change quickly, so definitely be, you know, grateful for every moment that I have playing out here."

Before launching his last US Open run, Thiem said that competing against the Big Three for many years left a big mental and physical impact on him. And after finally becoming a Grand Slam champion, he felt that his motivation dipped. Then, the wrist injury happened in 2021 - and the 30-year-old Austrian said he thought that the mileage on his body played a part in his wrist injury. 

Shelton, a 2023 US Open semifinalist, was asked to address that statement. Answering the question, the 21-year-old acknowledged that he is not a Slam champion so he can't give any definitive answers but added that he doesn't see him losing motivation if he ever lands a Major.

"I think you never know until you're in the situation. You know, I haven't won a Grand Slam (smiling). But it's a tough sport that we play when you look at the calendar, how many weeks that you need to play here to keep up with the field. I think it used to be a lot of guys played 16 weeks, 18 weeks. Now the tour average is probably, like, 25, 26, even for guys who are in the top 15," Shelton said.

"So I think that's something that's changed and probably made it a little bit more difficult. For sure I could say for myself, no, I never see that happening to me, but you never know until you're in that situation. So I don't think I could really speak on that yet or right now."

Regarding his performance versus Thiem, Shelton said: "Yeah, I thought it was a good start, good performance from me today. There wasn't really a category that I was unhappy with. I thought I served extremely well today. Did a good job dictating play with my forehand, the best I hit my forehand for a while. I was 24 for 28 at the net. Can't complain with how starts go at a Grand Slam."

In his next match, Shelton is set to meet another former top-10 player as he will battle against Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the US Open third round.