Ben Shelton reveals the two players he would ‘love’ to see qualify for the ATP Finals this year

The ATP Finals race will conclude at the end of this week.

Only four players [excluding an injured Jannik Sinner] have secured their spot at the end of year event so far: Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev and Roland Garros finalist Flavio Cobolli.

The likes of Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Jodar, Alex de Minaur, Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz are in contention for the final four qualification places.

The final four qualification spots will be decided upon the completion of the year’s final Masters 1000 event in Paris.

Ben Shelton, who recently announced the addition of Juan Carlos Ferrero to his coaching setup, has discussed who he would like to see qualify for the prestigious end-of-year event.

Ben Shelton would like to see Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fils qualify for the ATP Finals

Shelton began his Paris Masters campaign on Tuesday, defeating British player Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4 at the Plenitude Arena.

Following the contest, Shelton discussed his mindset before revealing who he would ‘love’ to see qualify for the ATP Finals.

“I think I have been pretty locked in. I have big goals I am still striving for, even though I have qualified for the finals, I want to be in good form when I get there. I am as motivated as ever,” the American US Open finalist told BB Tennis.

“Two of my close friends are still in the race in Arthur Fils and Frances Tiafoe, I would love to see those guys solidify their spot.

“But I am super excited. I think no matter what group of guys we have in Turin this year, there are so many people that are deserving.

“I’m sad there is only going to be eight guys there but I’m looking forward to the competition and finishing the year on a positive note.”

Fils is currently sixth in the ATP Finals race with 3,535 ATP ranking points to his name. Tiafoe is one spot lower, having amassed 3,390 points across the year.

Alex de Minaur is handed an ATP Finals lifeline

Alex de Minaur is currently on the outside looking in.

The Australian star is ninth in the race, trailing young Spanish starlet Rafael Jodar in the eighth spot.

Jodar has now granted De Minaur a valuable opportunity after losing to Casper Ruud in the Paris Masters second round.

If De Minaur defeats Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Wednesday, he will increase his points total to 3,260 and overtake Jodar in the race.

Of course, the Australian will look to advance far in the Paris Masters draw to mitigate any potential deep run made by Novak Djokovic, who trails De Minaur by 230 points in the race.