Ben Shelton is back on court and ready to resume his breakthrough season at the Shanghai Masters. World no. 6 returns to competition after recovering from a shoulder injury that forced him to retire at the US Open.
It was Ben's first retirement in official matches, leaving the court in tears after experiencing the pain he never had before. The American missed a couple of weeks and treated the issue ahead of his return in Shanghai.
World no. 6 could not chase the title in Tokyo, but he looks healthy and motivated to chase a deep run in Shanghai. He sets sights on a milestone achievement - qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin for the first time.
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Shelton sits sixth in the Race to Turin, just 25 points behind Taylor Fritz. He knows that a strong run at the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season could boost his chances of playing among the elite eight players in November.
Ben established himself as a top-10 player this season, only three years after playing College tennis! The American reached the Australian Open semi-final and lifted his first Masters 1000 trophy in Toronto, showcasing his explosive serve and fearless game.
The injury setback in New York briefly halted that moment. However, Shelton embraced carefully managed recovery to endure a full return to form. He expected a deep run in Shanghai after playing well at that event in the previous years, including a win over Jannik Sinner.
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Ben is determined to pick up where he left off. With his trademark intensity and optimism, he is embracing the final stretch of the season while targeting the ultimate goal - the ATP Finals in Turin.
"For the first time, I'm in a good position to make the ATP Finals in Turin. Hopefully, I can add a couple more good results and get over the line. I'm happy with my season. I have more things that I want to accomplish, so let's see in a month.
As with any injury, recovery takes time, and I'm getting there. I would not be here unless I thought I was ready. I missed a couple of weeks, but I should be ready to compete in Shanghai," Ben Shelton said.
