“Anything can happen!” Shelton and more react to microphones on court in Washington

The ATP and the Mubadala Citi DC Open have announced that select doubles pairings will be wearing microphones on court this week – and the reaction has been unsurprisingly overwhelming.

Tournament director Mark Ein explained: “This has been sort of a dream of mine for years since we took over.

“My favourite clips from the NBA and NFL are listening to players during the games. I’ve always wanted to do it in tennis. We did it in 2017 in World Team Tennis, and it was magic. The ability to listen to what the serving team is doing, what they think the other team is going to do, then listening to the receiving team, what they think, watch the point unfold, it’s incredible.”

Shelton: it’s cool for a consumer

Asked about it in his press conference, Ben Shelton confirmed with a laugh: “I’m not getting mic-ed up, man!”

He added: “I think it’s really cool for a consumer. I think it’s a good idea. The guys who consent to it, I think there will be some funny stuff that comes out from that happening.

“For me, I like my career! I’m not saying that I say crazy stuff on the court. I can be a wild card at times. I don’t say things out loud, but when the mic is right there, anything can happen. I’m going to keep those thoughts and under-the-breath sayings to myself. I hope everyone who does it enjoys it and doesn’t say anything too bad.”

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