Ex-Slam finalist fears a Juan Martin del Potro fate for Ben Shelton

1976 US Open runner-up Pam Shriver believes Ben Shelton is able to doing massive issues but additionally admits she fears the 23-year-old may decide up a continual harm and have a Juan Martin del Potro destiny.

After making the Australian Open semifinal at the beginning of the yr, Shelton lifted his maiden Masters title in Toronto. Going into the US Open, some thought of the house participant as a darkish horse for the title at Flushing Meadows – and rightfully so – contemplating how properly he had been taking part in. However then, the world No. 6 noticed his US Open run finish within the first spherical after a left shoulder harm compelled him to retire.

Anybody acquainted with Shelton's sport is aware of that he has an enormous serve and that it’s certainly one of his greatest property. 

Addressing Shelton's harm, Shriver – a former world No. 3 – famous that the American places rather a lot into his serve. And realizing what occurred to sure massive hitters prior to now, the American tennis legend fears that it might result in a continual left shoulder situation.

Shriver: Can Shelton's physique maintain as much as the calls for of his highly effective lefty serve?

“All eyes are on Ben Shelton. If he can proceed his progress in 2026 and 2027, will he be proper within the combine to win Majors? In all probability, however can his physique maintain as much as the calls for of what his lefty serve, it’s 150 mph, he’s so sturdy, however you’re solely as your Achilles heel, and I simply hope that the serving arm can maintain the pressure that he places it via," Shriver stated on The Inside-In Tennis Podcast.

“You take a look at Juan Martin del Potro for instance of the trendy sport. I don’t assume anyone has hit a forehand tougher. I don’t assume anybody punched tougher than Del Potro, however his physique couldn’t stand up to it, in order that’s going to occur. Gamers who’ve gained Majors have picked up continual accidents that they will’t recover from.”

Del Potro was solely 20 when he gained the 2009 US Open. Then, the Argentine began to cope with fixed and critical accidents, which led to him going below the knife a number of instances and being sidelined quite a few instances earlier than formally retiring final yr.

In the meantime, Shelton made a comeback on the ongoing Shanghai Masters, and misplaced to David Goffin in his opening match.

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