Why no one wants to practice with Ben Sheldon

Author: Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild |Thursday January 16, 2025

In the tennis world, we always hear about “lefties” and how left-handers create unique problems for their opponents on the tennis court. That left-handed serve that drags your opponent into the photographer's trap?

Everyone knows this—and is afraid to face it.

This is a clear advantage for many lefties on tour, however, Ben Shelton Speaking in Melbourne on Friday night, being left-handed has its shortcomings.

The 21st seed, who beat Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets to reach the third round, said the biggest problem was players not wanting to practice left-handed.

“You can't get practice,” he said. “It's impossible unless the draw comes out and they play Draper, Shapo or Ugo Humbert. Then I understand. Beyond that, people are less willing to practice with you.

Shelton is a former Australian Open quarter-finalist, reaching at least the third round in each of his three matches at Melbourne Park. He said he doesn't care who he trains with. But other ATP players can be very picky.

“For me, I don't mind. I hit with right-handers, left-handers, tall guys, short guys, pitching robots, grinders. It doesn't really matter,” he said. “People on tour, both players and coaches, are very particular about who they train with. Big serve, left-handed, that's a double whammy for you. Finding hits can be difficult.

But even that worked in Sheldon's favor. If players don't want to train with him, that leaves an element of surprise in the game.

“What I'm trying to say is, people don't want to hit left-handed, so they don't quite understand your game,” Shelton said. “I went out and played against a guy who had refused to train with me the past four times, and at least he didn't see my serve.”