MUBADALA CITI DC OPEN

August 1, 2024

Ben Shelton

Press Conference

B. SHELTON/R. Albot

6-4, 6-7, 6-3

(Transcribed from recorded audio.)

Q. Talk about the third set in particular. What were you most proud of?

BEN SHELTON: It was a physical test for me. I was tired in that third set. Here a lot later than I wanted to be tonight.

But I had to dig deep. I wasn't going to be the guy to give in tonight. I'm just happy with the way I fought, competed. I came up with the shots and serves in the big moments when I needed to. Passing shots on the run. There was a lot of moments in the match today where I played great tennis. A few hiccups. Try to cut those out in the next round. I'm just happy to get through.

Q. How were you able to start strong after having to wait for so long?

BEN SHELTON: Yeah, I think it had to do a lot with my energy. I was real excited for this match. I had so much family here, so many people I knew were coming to watch today.

Tough that we ended up playing so late that the crowd wasn't completely packed. I think if we played on time, it would have been a sellout stadium.

I just love playing here in DC. An atmosphere that I love, so many people who support me. I just feel the love here. This is a place I'm happy to be moving on. Just want to play as many matches as possible.

Q. Who did you run over to next to your dad?

BEN SHELTON: My little cousin, Ken. Have a lot of people in the DMV area. Between Atlanta last week and here this week, I'm seeing a lot of little cousins that I haven't seen in a while, or newborns that just came into the family. So that was exciting for me.