Ben Shelton predicts stars will 'stop playing' at US Open due to new rule
Ben Shelton was the first player to take to the Arthur Ashe court at the US Open this year and has already made a prediction about how new rules will impact players.
Ben Shelton freely confesses that the recent rule changes at the US Open, inviting more movement among spectators, do not bother him. Yet, he anticipates other players might feel differently.
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Spectators have now been freed of their obligation to wait until a changeover to find their seats. It means a potential rise in interruptions for players on the court as fans move around in the background.
Shelton was among the first players to experience the new rule at this year's tournament held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he ended up securing victory against Dominic Thiem in the first match on the court.
Asked about his impressions post-match, Shelton did admit recognising the shift but was quick to clarify that it didn't faze him. He did forewarn, however, that some of his contemporaries would likely "stop playing" amidst fans shuffling in and out of their seats.
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Shelton said: "I noticed it, but once the point starts, I don't notice it. I guess with college tennis I've played, you know, this UTS Tour, as well, there's a lot of situations where I've been in that's a lot crazier than a couple of people walking with drinks back to their seat, Honey Deuces.
"I don't really mind it. I'm sure some players will be annoyed with it this week and maybe stop playing or hold up as long as they can. Yeah, I don't really care."
Despite witnessing the increased movement on field, the distractions seemed nonexistent for a focused Shelton who scored a sweeping straight-set victory against the former champion Thiem. Last year's standout performer came off the victory, displaying an impressive performance, and extending a gracious note to Thiem as he prepares for retirement.
Shelton reflected on his performance with satisfaction, saying: "Yeah, I thought it was a good start, good performance from me today. There wasn't really a category that I was unhappy with.
"I thought I served extremely well today. Did a good job dictating play with my forehand, the best I hit my forehand for a while. I was 24 for 28 at the net."
When questioned about his feelings upon entering Arthur Ashe Stadium to kick off the tournament, he remarked: "Yeah, not really butterflies. I haven't been really feeling butterflies lately when I walk on the court. I think after last year, the stage doesn't get much bigger than that.
"I feel used to it now. I just felt comfortable. Used to it. Felt like I had been there before. Yeah, definitely excited. I think any chance that you get to play on Arthur Ashe is a moment that you remember forever."
"Yeah, I added one to the books today, and yeah, just happy with how things went out there. Yeah, I enjoyed it."
