'I play against Alcaraz and Sinner - their rival is closer to Federer than both stars'

Watching two of the world's most in-form tennis stars in Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz can be a daunting prospect for players further down the rankings, but embraces it.

Alcaraz, 21, already has four Grand Slam titles to his name, putting him on course for the same career trajectory as the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The Spaniard is a popular figure on the tour as much for his incredible ability as he is known for his down-to-earth character. His all-round style and quick steps around the court make him a tough player to beat.

Shelton has already breached the top 20 in his short career as the current No 17. And the 22-year-old is a huge fan of Alcaraz's work on the court - and for good reason too.

Indeed, Shelton is yet to taste victory against the world No 2 in their two encounters on the court, with Alcaraz emerging victorious at the Laver Cup earlier this year and securing a three-set win at the Canadian Open in 2023.

But there is no ill feeling from the Florida native, who explained why he enjoys watching Alcaraz when he steps out onto the court.

"Alcaraz is a great athlete, can hit every shot in the book, entertains the crowd and always has a smile on his face," Shelton told Tennis.

"He is a personality on the court, that is what I like to watch and he gives me that fix of seeing an entertainer but someone who also plays the game at the highest level."

When asked which players he liked to watch the most, Shelton replied: "I love watching Alcaraz and I love watching Grigor Dimitrov. I'd say those two are my two favourites."

Dimitrov may be a surprise name for some tennis fans to hear, given the Bulgarian's peak years of his career may well be behind him. But the 33-year-old's energetic style of play resonates well with fans - and as it happens, his fellow pros.

Shelton went as far as suggesting that watching the former world No. 9 reminds him of 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer, whose elegance style and relentless success in the game won him a huge following of adoring fans.

"Grigor plays the game so beautifully. I think that a lot of what he does is similar to what Roger used to do," he said. "Perfect technique, slice, the serve. He is technically sound on every shot, so that is why I adore watching him."

After making it to the quarter-finals in Australia in 2023 and reaching the last four on his home turf at the , it won't be long before Shelton's rivals compliment him in the same way.