He was surprised by how calm he was in the first final of his life, 2023 exceeded all expectations for the American tennis player

Ben Shilton claimed his first win in the championship last week. After the meeting, he was interviewed by ATP staff.

The 21-year-old American has had a memorable first season in his ATP Tour career. He had already set the tone with his first Grand Slam tournament this year, reaching the quarterfinals in Australia as an almost unknown player who, moreover, had never played tennis outside the United States before that. Although continuing was primarily about learning, he still enjoyed great buzz at the end of the year, reaching the semi-finals at the US Open, and then the Asian Tour went flawlessly.

What does your first ATP tournament win mean to you?

very much. When I started playing tennis, I didn’t think I would succeed. It is something very special for me and my team, that I was able to fight for the title, kept my nerves under control and was able to win. I will remember this for the rest of my life.

How did you deal with the situation, the first final of your career?

It was interesting. I expected to be more nervous, but I entered the field completely calm and with a clear mind. I don’t know exactly why I was so calm and confident, but I felt like I was having a normal day.

How much confidence and belief did the US Open semi-final give you?

I think the US Open gave me a lot of confidence in my ability to compete with the best and go far in the upcoming tournaments. In America, I won three sets and showed that I am fit and have the ability to play long matches. So I clearly see that this helped a lot in the tournaments after the US Open, and I’m confident that I can keep the momentum going for next season as well.

Who helped you reach this athletic stage?

I got the most out of my parents and my brother, those three people. They made the biggest sacrifices for me. They are more invested in my career and my personality. Of course, my other coaches in college as well as the University of Florida played a huge role in my development as a player and person. I am indebted to them all.

You started the year ranked 96th in the world rankings, and with your victory in Tokyo you have already risen to 15th. How do you rate this season? Did it exceed your expectations?

Yes, it has already exceeded my expectations for this year. This year was a dream for me, because I did well in some competitions, and now I won a championship, of course I had some losses, and I learned this and that about myself. I played tennis on different surfaces and learned about cultures that were new and strange to me. I am so grateful and really enjoyed my first full year on tour.

US tennis is in a strong position, with four players currently in the top 15. How does it feel to be one of them?

It’s really cool to be a part of US tennis these days. There are Taylor Fritz, Tommy Ball and Frances Tiafoe paving the way together, with great players behind them. For example, Seppi Korda, who beat me in Shanghai. Chris Eubanks, who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Mackenzie McDonald and Marcus Giron. I know I left out some names, but there are a lot of people on the Top 100 list who drew attention to themselves.

What interests you most outside of the tennis court?

There are a few things. I would say I love watching other sports and getting to know other athletes. I love cars, I would say it’s kind of a passion for me. I’m constantly browsing and browsing social media. I like to photograph and read. Anything to pass the time when I’m on the road.

How will you celebrate success?

I throw down a cheeseburger and then pack my bags to get to my plane.