Ben Shelton Skips Acapulco to Focus on Upcoming Masters Events

The rising American tennis star opts to rest and prepare for Indian Wells and Miami tournaments.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 3:28pm

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Ben Shelton, the 23-year-old American tennis player currently ranked world no. 9, has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Mexican Open in Acapulco. This decision comes after Shelton's impressive start to the 2026 season, which included reaching the quarterfinals at the ASB Classic and Australian Open, as well as capturing his first title of the year at the Dallas Open.

Why it matters

Shelton's withdrawal from Acapulco is seen as a strategic move to prioritize his recovery and preparation for the upcoming Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, where he is expected to be a serious contender. The decision has been praised by fellow American tennis player John Isner, who highlighted the demanding nature of the Acapulco tournament and the potential challenges posed by the 'no-meat policy' at the players' restaurant.

The details

Following his triumph in Dallas, Shelton was expected to compete at the Mexican Open in Acapulco. However, he has decided to withdraw from the tournament to focus on recovery and preparation for the upcoming Masters 1000 events. Isner, a former world no. 8, voiced his support for Shelton's decision, stating that the young player is 'listening to his team, listening to his body' and prioritizing his preparation for the 'obviously massive' tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

  • Shelton reached the quarterfinals at the ASB Classic in Auckland and the Australian Open in Melbourne earlier this year.
  • Shelton captured his first title of the year at the Dallas Open on February 15, 2026.
  • Shelton was expected to compete at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, but has withdrawn from the tournament.

The players

Ben Shelton

A 23-year-old American tennis player currently ranked world no. 9, who has had an impressive start to the 2026 season.

John Isner

A former world no. 8 American tennis player who has voiced his support for Shelton's decision to skip the Acapulco tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's just listening to his team, listening to his body. He's got some two obviously massive 1000s coming up in the United States and he's coming off a win as well. So, he's just going to keep that confidence and take it into Indian Wells. He is going to be training hard in Orlando, getting ready for these two tournaments. So, I like what he's doing.”

— John Isner

“Acapulco, as we all know, is like a survival of the fittest tournament in terms of, you have to be in really good shape, but you also have to cross your fingers that you don't get Montezuma's revenge there. I mean, there are a lot of variables when you go down to that tournament.”

— John Isner

“You cannot eat meat down there this year. That's crazy. So, there's a no-meat policy in Acapulco, which may be Ben's not a fish guy, and he needs his protein. I don't blame him, man. I'm not going to be eating tofu down there for protein. Sounds terrible. Late matches take a lot out of you. If anyone could handle it, it's Ben.”

— John Isner

What’s next

Shelton is expected to focus on his preparation for the upcoming Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, where he is expected to be a serious contender.

The takeaway

Shelton's decision to skip the Acapulco tournament demonstrates his maturity and strategic approach to managing his schedule and prioritizing his recovery and preparation for the upcoming major events. This move is likely to pay dividends as he aims to build on his strong start to the 2026 season.