Ben Shelton's ATP Finals dream might be over for 2025, but don't think for a second he's hanging his head! Despite the early exit, he's giving his season a solid "8 out of 10." A bold statement, right? But let's dive deeper into why, even with a less-than-perfect finish, Shelton sees 2025 as a year of significant progress.
Speaking after his elimination, Shelton emphasized that there were still "a lot of things to be happy about" in 2025. He acknowledged that his run at the ATP Finals was ending sooner than he hoped, but he seemed focused on the bigger picture.
When asked directly how he'd rate his 2025 season on a scale of 1 to 10, and what he'd prioritize for improvement next year, Shelton replied: "Yeah, I guess if I rated it 1 to 10, maybe an 8 out of 10, 7 or 8. I made huge improvements and strides from the year before."
He elaborated, pointing to the period before the US Open as a particularly strong stretch. "What I've done kind of post US Open I haven't been happy with. But the rhythm that I found in the first three-quarters of the year was really good."
And this is the part most people miss: Shelton isn't just talking about winning matches. He's talking about finding his identity on the court. He explained, "I'm a guy that I get into a really good rhythm when I'm playing a lot of matches. I had a lot of clarity this summer on how to play: shot tolerance, what shots to play at certain times. Had a lot of clarity on what my identity was on the court, how I was going to win, my winning formula. Still searching for that a little bit right now."
Think of it like a chef perfecting a signature dish. They know exactly what ingredients to use and when to add them to create the perfect flavor. Shelton is searching for that same level of mastery in his game.
But here's where it gets controversial... Shelton admits that his form dipped in the final stretch of the season. "These last four tournaments of the year - Shanghai, Basel, Paris, here - have been more difficult for me trying to find that 'wow' feeling that all the guys that I have played have been in form and playing great tennis, competing well. Just certain things that feel very off that at this point of the year it's, like, can't be happening."
He specifically mentioned struggles with his forehand, usually a reliable weapon. "For me this week, it's been my forehand, which usually is a money shot for me, money-maker. First ball after the serve, things that have been a little off that make it disappointing."
This raises a critical question: Is it simply fatigue at the end of a long season, or are there deeper technical or mental adjustments Shelton needs to make? Some might argue that an "8 out of 10" rating is overly generous given his late-season struggles. Others might say it's a fair assessment considering his overall progress throughout the year. Consider that even the best tennis players experience dips in performance, and the ability to bounce back is a hallmark of true champions.
Ultimately, Shelton remains optimistic, concluding that there are still "a lot of things to be happy about this season." He's clearly taking the long view, focusing on continuous improvement and solidifying his identity as a player. What do you think? Is an "8 out of 10" a fair grade for Ben Shelton's 2025 season? Where do you see him improving most in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
