Former American pro John Isner shared a surprising opinion on how Jannik Sinner might benefit from Ben Shelton’s absence at the Monte Carlo Masters. Isner’s remarks came during the latest episode of the Nothing Major podcast, where he even questioned Shelton’s choice not to compete in Monte Carlo due to logistical issues.
Shelton experienced an unexpected loss to Thiago Agustin Tirante in the Houston Open, knocking him out as the tournament’s top seed in the quarterfinals. Although Shelton later won the doubles title on Sunday, Isner couldn’t understand why the 23-year-old found it hard to travel to Monte Carlo to gain some valuable Masters experience and possibly achieve some unexpected wins.
“This tournament’s still great. I said this again last week: I would love to see someone like Ben Shelton at least enter the tournament. I know Ben took the doubles title in Houston, but it’s not that hard if you don’t do very well in Houston to get over there, try to string together a good week, and then get back home. I really would like some of the Americans to consider that going forward,” Isner said.
Furthermore, the American pro felt that Sinner, who is riding on a huge wave of momentum on the backend of completing the Sunshine double, should cruise through the competition until the summit clash, where he is expected to meet World No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz.
Isner feels that, had Shelton participated in the tournament, he could have posed a decent challenge to the Italian in his quest for a third straight Masters title this season.
“I don’t see him getting tested. If the bet is like all right up until the final, Sinner loses a set, I think I’m saying no. Like Shelton could right, if he serves big. But I don’t know who will challenge him. He doesn’t take games off,” Isner said.
Ben Shelton to Resume Journey on Clay in Munich
While a major pack of the top seeds in men’s singles is gearing up for their opening matches in Monte Carlo, Shelton will only resume his journey on clay in Munich from April 13. Last year, the 23-year-old American had reached the final of the BMW Open by Bitpanda in Munich, where he lost to home boy Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
Now with a fresh outlook and much-needed time off the tour since the Houston Open shocker, Shelton will be expected to make an impact in Munich (ATP 500), followed by the Madrid Open (Masters 1000) and, later, the Italian Open (Masters 1000) in Rome.
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