Ben Shelton Anticipates Thrilling Showdown Against Carlos Alcaraz at Madison Square Garden Exhibition

Fans won’t have to wait till 2025 to see their favorite stars in action. Though no tour-level clashes are slated to take place, an exhibition event in New York is set to bring out multiple high-profile players, including Carlos Alcaraz. And just so you know, fans aren’t the only ones excited for the highly-anticipated blockbuster, the players themselves are equally excited. Ben Shelton is counting the moments before he clashes with the World No. 3.

Before commencing their respective campaigns in the upcoming season, players like Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Frances Tiafoe, and Alcaraz look forward to marking their attendance at the exhibition. Notably, the New York event is a part of ‘The Garden Cup’ which will take place this Wednesday at the iconic Madison Square Garden. What’s all the hype about? This will be the first time since the Davis Cup – where Spanish legend Rafael Nadal bid farewell to the sport – that players will get a taste of competitiveness as they revamp their strategies to do better in 2025.

Upon arrival in New York, Alcaraz paired with Shelton as the duo reunited for a New York Knicks game at Madison Square. Amid their exciting adventures in the city, 2022 NCAA champion Shelton hailed Alcaraz for his on-court gameplay versatility. In an interview with the reporters, the 21-year-old noted that the 4-time Major winner is his “favorite player to share the court with because of how creative he is and the style he plays.”

Shelton further acknowledged how the crowd goes crazy whenever the duo battles it and that adds to his excitement as he awaits their upcoming showdown. “Every time we play, you hear the crowd go crazy on both sides (…). It’s one of the games I enjoy the most.” Before jetting to New York, Alcaraz also made a crucial change to his team.

The Spanish sensation added Samuel Lopez to his coaching team after the latter broke his 9-year partnership with Pablo Carreno Busta to embrace the new experience. Before Lopez marks his presence in the Alcaraz camp at Rotterdam in February, the Spaniard has already expressed his enthusiasm for the latest alliance.

Carlos Alcaraz considers Samuel Lopez as “one of the best” coaches

This won’t be the first time Carlos Alcaraz will be privy to Samuel Lopez’s expertise. Back when Ferrero was unable to tend to Carlitos during the 2022 Miami Open and the last two editions of the Queen’s Club, it was Lopez who guided the Spaniard. Expressing his views about this new addition to his team, the Murcia native told the reporters in New York:

“They (Ferrero and Lopez) trust each other 100% and being able to travel with both of them is going to be great for me. I think I’m going to grow as a player thanks to them. They listen to me a lot more than before, obviously, when I was 16 and I had nothing to say, just keep my mouth shut and my ears open.”

Following his appearance in New York, Alcaraz will likely not participate in any other exhibition commitment and solely focus on recovering and preparing before the Australian Open next season. Do you think Alcaraz will win his maiden Australian Open title next season? Let us know in the comments below.