Ben Shelton heads into his first ATP Finals with a deep sense of respect for his upcoming round-robin stage opponent, Jannik Sinner. The young American spoke glowingly of the Italian, highlighting his dedication, humility and unshakable love for tennis.
Shelton described Sinner as the kind of player who never switches off - someone who studies the game even off the court and approaches every detail with focus and unmatched passion.
For a left-hander, facing Jannik in Turin is more than a regular match - it's an opportunity to test himself against a model of professionalism and consistency.
The admiration between the two adds a touch of warmth to what promises to be an intense encounter, their ninth in the previous two years. Sinner is the favorite after entering Turin in peak form.
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The Italian has beaten the American in seven straight duels, including this year's battles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the Paris Masters.
Jannik has earned a reputation as one of the game's most grounded stars. On the other side, Ben's rise has been fueled by charisma, energy and fearless play.
A left-hander bested the Italian in Shanghai two years ago. Since then, Sinner took charge and scored seven straight victories over the younger opponent. Their most recent duel came in Paris a couple of weeks ago.
The favorite scored a 6-3, 6-3 victory in 69 minutes after having the upper hand on serve and return. Their upcoming clash in Turin will showcase raw talent and mutual respect between two players who embody the spirit of the next generation.
They are ambitious, competitive and deeply passionate about the sport they love. Jannik enters the duel as the favorite, but Ben will do his best to challenge the defending champion and cause a surprise.
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"Of course, everyone here likes Jannik. I think it's a great opportunity for me to play against him. He is always focused. Even when you run into him at a restaurant and there are practice courts nearby, if someone is playing, he is always watching.
You can feel how much he loves tennis. There's a reason he has reached his current level. There are many things about him that you can learn from and admire, and I think he is a great person and a humble champion," Ben Shelton said.
