Ben Shelton admits to early-career flaw he’s confident is behind him now

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Ben Shelton is set to make his ATP Finals debut next week, having defied the odds by returning from injury just in time for the season-ending event.

A sudden, freak shoulder problem forced him to withdraw from the US Open, even though he was playing well and nearing the fourth round.

Shelton left Arthur Ashe Stadium in tears, with many assuming his season had come to an early end.

That is what makes his recent comeback even more impressive. The Finals now offer him one last shot this year to measure himself against the world’s best.

Reflecting on his swift ascent in the sport prior to the ATP Finals, he highlighted a specific area he has diligently focused on improving.

Ben Shelton opens up about his rapid climb up the rankings

In an interview with the Russian YouTube channel БОЛЬШЕ, Shelton began by highlighting the significance of qualifying and being physically prepared for the ATP Finals.

“Yeah, it’s huge. It was my biggest goal at the beginning of the year,” he said.

“You know, it’s an accumulation of a lot of hard work. And uh, yeah, I think that it’s an accomplishment that shows that you’re at the top of the game.

“So for me, being consistent was always an issue for me as a young player trying to find my way. I’d have a few great weeks but a lot of bad weeks as well. So to be able to bring my bottom level up to a place that I can be consistent enough to qualify for this event is really encouraging and I’m just getting started.

“Being in this event is one thing but it’s an event that I want to try to be in every single year and continue to do better and better each year.”

Shelton and Taylor Fritz have both been handed difficult groups at the ATP Finals.

Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton lead American challenge

With the two Americans placed in different groups, there is a real possibility they could face each other in the semi-finals or even the final.

Shelton, though, faces a much tougher path to qualification, needing to get past Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and a red-hot Felix Auger-Aliassime.

• READ MORE: Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz weigh in on Novak Djokovic’s ATP Finals uncertainty

Fritz’s draw has opened up a bit after Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament. Lorenzo Musetti took his place, which plays more into Fritz’s favour, given his poor record against Djokovic.