On the eve of the 'BNP Paribas Open' in Indian Wells, many insiders had said that the new surface could be very suitable for Ben Shelton's game.
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The organizers decided to modify the courts after 25 years hoping to make them faster, instead they achieved the opposite effect according to the players' opinion.
The data show that the surface has become slower even slower than in previous years, with very high bounces that have put even a legend like Novak Djokovic in crisis.
The former world number 1 was eliminated already in the second round by Botic van de Zandschulp, who played a really good match and benefited from the 37 unforced errors of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
During his press conference after being eliminated, the Serbian ace criticized the new surface and confessed that there is too much difference between the Center Court and the outdoor courts.
Shelton is very dangerous
This new configuration should especially help players who are very powerful from the baseline and who are able to generate a lot of top-spin.
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One of the first names that come to mind is that of Shelton, who started his run in the first Masters 1000 of the season really well, leaving just five games to Mariano Navone.
The American ace who will face RussianKaren Khachanov in the next round has big ambitions in this tournament and dreams of going very far.
"People talk too often about the potential of the players, but that's not the most important thing. What matters is how hard you work during the year and I know I'm training in the right way," Ben said after his debut in California.
"I'm working hard to become an even more complete player.
I know that all the other tennis players say the same thing, but I assure you that I am doing everything possible to fully express my talent and this gives me confidence.
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I'm far from my full potential and I want to see how far I can go."
