Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe narrowly missed a memorable start in doubles at the Citi Open in Washington, DC.
Shelton and Tiafoe sparked significant enthusiasm among spectators as they teamed up for the Washington Open doubles competition.
However, the duo faced a setback as they were defeated by John Peers and Matthew Ebden, a seasoned team that claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a score of 7-6(7-3), 6-3.
After reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, Shelton, now back in the ATP top 10, couldn’t carry that success into his doubles match in DC, though he still has opportunities ahead in singles.
Ben Shelton Talks About His Mixed Doubles Partner
Before the event, the ATP number eight discussed his doubles journey, expressing confidence with his partner, Taylor Townsend, about their chances for the US Open mixed doubles title. Shelton stated, “We have known each other for years, and after our semifinal run at the US Open, I believe we would have a solid shot at winning if I weren’t fully focused on singles.”
He further emphasized, “She’s undoubtedly the best mixed doubles player out there, and I wouldn’t consider competing unless I could team up with her. It should be a lot of fun, and we both know how to compete hard and enjoy the game.”
Excitement for the US Open Mixed Doubles Event
The US Open mixed doubles event has generated a lot of buzz, featuring a generous $1 million prize for the tournament winners. With Townsend ranked world number two in doubles and having secured multiple titles, including two Grand Slam victories, confidence is high for their potential success.
Shelton’s past best performance came at the US Open, where he reached the semifinals in 2023. He voiced his affinity for the energetic atmosphere at this illustrious tournament, saying, “I thrive in the chaos; it’s where I feel most at home playing.”
Following his exit from doubles, Shelton is now focused on his singles match against fellow American Mackenzie McDonald in the Washington Open, looking to regain momentum.
