Ben Shelton returns to Cincinnati as a Masters 1000 champion, having claimed the Canadian Open title just last week.
It marked the greatest triumph of his career to date, and could prove to be the catalyst that really spurs him on to even larger successes.
His rise up the rankings across the last few years has been meteoric, causing trouble on the tour with his unique, left-handed, big-serving play style.
He has taken his college upbringing and turned himself into a really energetic presence, capable of troubling the very best players in the world.
As someone who prides himself on that energy, it should come as no surprise who his idol is.
Ben Shelton explains why he looked up to Rafael Nadal
Speaking about the sport, over two years ago now, Ben Shelton spoke glowingly when talking about the Big Three.
And whilst he outlined his respect for Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, it was Rafael Nadal who stood out for the 22-year-old.
He even admitted: “The guy that I looked up to was Rafael Nadal. I think at times on the court, the way that I love to fight, that I don’t give up, could be some traits that I saw or learned from Rafa growing up. He was one of those guys who replicated it every match, every tournament.
“You could only hope to have a fighting spirit like him.”
It’s fair to say that, on his way to the Canadian Open title, he used those learned Nadal traits well.
How Ben Shelton copied Rafael Nadal in Toronto
Shelton’s run to the title was far from smooth, but this allowed him to showcase the dogged determination that he is so admired for.
Even Nadal would have been proud of the way in which the American came from a set down in the final to win the crucial third-set tiebreaker and secure the title.
However, it was his adaptability that really deserves praise, changing styles from match to match to deal with each new threat he faced.
Playing against Alex de Minaur, he outlasted the tireless Aussie, beating him at his own game.
Then, against Taylor Fritz, he was just rock solid, outlasting his compatriot, who has built his game around this consistency.
Twice he came from a set down throughout the event to win matches, and the three occasions he was taken to a third-set tiebreaker, he won all of them.
Shelton showcased Nadal’s patented fighting spirit in abundance throughout his time in Toronto, and the hope is that he can find the necessary consistency to enjoy even half as much success as the 22-time Grand Slam champion did across his glittering career.
It’s a testament to his unflinching desire to continue progressing that, after his title, Shelton pinpointed the two things he still needs to work on. This mentality will surely take him far.
