By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday January 16, 2025
In tennis circles, we always hear about “lefties” and how southpaws present unique problems for their opponents on a tennis court. That left serve that can lure your opponent into the photographer’s hole?
Everyone knows about it – and is afraid to face it.
It is a particular advantage for many lefties in the tournament, but, how Ben Shelton said Friday night in Melbourne, being left-handed has its downsides.
Winner no. The 21-year-old, who completed a four-set victory over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta to reach the third round, says the biggest problem is that guys just don’t want to practice left-handed.
“You can’t get an internship,” he said. “It’s impossible, except when the draw comes out and Draper, Shapo or Ugo Humbert play. Then I get the view. Besides, people don’t want to practice with you as much.”
Shelton, a former Australian Open quarter-finalist, has reached at least the third round in each of his three appearances at Melbourne Park. He says he doesn’t care who he practices with. But other ATP players can be very picky.
“I don’t care. I hit with a guy right, left, tall, short guy, serve bot, grinder. It doesn’t really matter,” he said. “Guys in the tournament, players or coaches, are particular about who they practice with. Big serve, left, that’s two shots against you. Finding shots can be difficult.”
But even that works in Shelton’s favor. If players don’t want to practice with it, then it leaves the element of surprise in the game.
“I would say at the same time people don’t want to hit lefties, so they don’t see your style of play as much,” Shelton said. “I go out and play against someone who said no to practice with me the last four times, at least he hasn’t seen my serve.”
