Clare Balding moves to explain strange markings on Wimbledon star's back
Ben Shelton beat Lorenzo Sonego 3-6 6-1 7-6 (7-1) 7-5 at Wimbledon to progress to the quarter-finals
Ben Shelton and the marks on his shoulder and back
(Image: BBC )
Ben Shelton is through to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon for the first time after his thrilling win over Lorenzo Sonego.
American Shelton progresses to the last eight for the first time in his career and now faces the winner of Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov, who play this evening.
The 10th seed won the match 3-6 6-1 7-6 (7-1) 7-5 and the Centre Court crowd certainly took to the US star, who played in a sleeveless white top.
On his left shoulder were visible dark, circular markings which caught the eye of viewers, spectators and BBC host Clare Balding, who remarked while Shelton signed autographs: "Great stuff from Ben Shelton, he's a huge personality as well as a phenomenal tennis player.
"He's into the quarter-finals for the first time. Goes one stage further than his dad Bryan who he was talking about there... those marks, by the way, on his shoulder, those are not tattoos, that's from cupping, it's bit like what the swimmers do and it really pulls the blood to surface."
Cupping therapy is the practice of putting cups on a person's skin for a few minutes to create suction. The idea behind it is to draw blood to or away from parts of your body, helping with pain relief and inflammation. It is commonplace in others sports, too.
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Shelton said post-match: "It was difficult.
"I feel like every time I play Lorenzo Sonego, every time I need a big point he comes out with a highlight shot. Maybe it's the same vice-versa as well. It was a lot of fun.
"I'm getting very comfortable out here on court one, I love playing in front of you guys. I was told that the crowds here at Wimbledon, before I came over here for the first time, were a bit quieter but I've got to say I didn't feel that today."
He added that his father was his inspiration growing up. Bryan Shelton, who is also Ben's coach, was a professional player and reached the same stage at SW19 during his own career.
"Definitely my dad," he added. "He was in the round of 16 here 31 years ago, give or take. He loved a serve and volley.
"He had a big serve, he came forward all the time and he would like to see me come forward more than I am. My argument is that I think I'm better than him from the baseline.
"He inspires the way that I play on grass."
Ahead of the final game against his opponent, he revealed he was desperate for the set not to go the distance again.
"I don't want to play another tie-breaker!" he admitted. "I didn't want to do it, especially against a guy who is serving the way he is. Usually you don't get the same chance twice, so I wanted to make sure I capitalised on the first one at 15-40.
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"I'm happy with the way I played that last game.
"I felt like that was my best tennis, my best returning, and that's what I'm going to need to continue in this tournament. For me to end the match with that game, it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward."
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