World No. 13 Ben Shelton shared his mindset ahead of the Madrid Masters tournament.
Q: How are you liking Madrid? How does the local clay feel, everything alright?
A: Yeah, everything`s fine. I`m learning quickly and getting better on this surface. I`m happy to be here in Madrid.
Q: Great job on reaching the Munich final – that`s fantastic! I know you prefer hard courts and play very well on them. Have you and your team made any adjustments to your clay preparation? Has anything changed compared to last year?
A: Yes, my focus right now is on tactics and strategy. It`s crucial to consider shot speed and pick the right moments to extend rallies and play slower than I would on hard courts, where I often approach the net. Clay requires thinking about different aspects. Movement is also key – the better I move on this surface, the better my overall game.
Q: One more question, hopefully not too personal, about Trinity. She`s an incredible athlete; she follows our progress, and we follow hers. We believe she contributes significantly to women`s sports, particularly soccer. Do you feel there are things you learn from each other or experiences you share as athletes?
A: We really do have a lot in common. We encounter similar situations, like media commitments and brand partnerships – everything we navigate in our respective sports, careers, and lifestyles. It`s inspiring to see how she manages her daily activities.
