Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday January 16, 2025
In tennis circles, we often hear about “lefties” and how southpaws present unique problems to their opponents on the tennis court. That left serve that would draw an opponent into the cameraman's hole?
Everyone knows about it – and is afraid to face it.
It's a distinct advantage for many travelers but, like Ben Shelton he said on Friday night in Melbourne, being left-handed has its problems too.
This player who plays at number 21, who finished winning four sets against Pablo Carreno Busta from Spain to reach the third round, says that the biggest problem is that the boys don't want to practice with lefties.
“You can't get used to it,” she said. “It's impossible, unless there is a draw and they play with Draper, Shapo, or Ugo Humbert. Then I get a look. Besides, people don't want to train with you that much.”
Shelton, a former quarterfinalist at the Australian Open, has reached at least the third round in each of his three appearances at Melbourne Park. He says he doesn't care who he trains with. But some ATP players can be more selective.
“For me, I have no problem. I hit straight guy, left, long, short, feed bot, grinder. It doesn't really matter,” he said. “Boys on the tour, players or coaches, are very focused on who they train with. Big serve, left, that's two strikes against you. Finding hits can be difficult.”
But that works for Shelton. If the players don't want to practice with him, that leaves a 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,” said Shelton. “I'm going out to play with someone who refused to practice with me four times before, at least he hadn't seen my service yet.”
