Tennis and Hollywood have a deep connection. Films made on the racquet sport have often garnered much attention and have gone on to become box-office hits. Zendaya’s movie based on tennis, Challengers, was no exception. Released earlier this year, the movie was critically acclaimed and grossed $94 million worldwide. Despite the film impressing many, Ben Shelton had other views after watching Challengers.

The 21-year-old is in New York to play at the US Open. Minutes ago, he went on to defeat Dominic Thiem in the first round comfortably in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Ahead of the match, Shelton was asked if he watched the movie ‘Challengers’ and his opinion about that film. Although the American sensation is a big fan of Zendaya, Shelton wasn’t too impressed with the movie.

During an interview with Tennis Magazine, Shelton mentioned, “I have seen Challengers. I mean, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the movie, to be honest. I thought that the tennis part, they did a great job with that. The guy’s technique, the way that the ball was moving, it all looked real. I liked the concept of it, but I didn’t really understand the plot.”

Subsequently, the interviewer asked Shelton what he failed to understand. To which, the American star replied, “For me, it was like….Zendaya is in a love triangle with two guys. But even the ending—I mean, the match never finished. Whatever happened at the end was kind of strange. They just jumped into each other’s arms. Right? So I’d say that part, for me, I didn’t understand as much. But I liked the idea of it, and I liked that a lot of people liked it.” 

However, the interviewer admitted that searches for tennis lessons increased by 500% after the movie was released. This was a major byproduct of the movie, highlighting its impact on the sport.

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Coming back to Shelton’s campaign at the US Open, with the winning start today, he is looking to go deep into the tournament. Additionally, he also intends to break a 21-year-old jinx. What’s that?

Ben Shelton looking to follow in the footsteps of Andy Roddick

Back in 2003, Andy Roddick won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. Since then, no American player has been able to lift the Grand Slam trophy at Flushing Meadows in men’s singles. However, things could change now, especially with the United States having as many as 5 players in the top 20 of the ATP rankings.

Highlighting this change, Shelton said, “The gradual improvement of the ranking of American players over the last three, four years, is proof to where we’re going. I think it’s inevitable that we’ll have a Grand Slam champion from our country. I don’t know when it’s going to be or who it’s going to be.”

Despite Shelton maintaining a neutral stance on his chances at the US Open, he remains a dark horse to win the title this year. If today’s performance is anything to go by, Shelton looks in great nick for the tournament ahead. He will face Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round. What do you think about Shelton’s chances in the US Open this year? Comment below.