Novak Djokovic will need ‘legs and genius’ to defeat ‘carefree’ Ben Shelton at the US Open, says Justine Henin

Novak Djokovic will need to display his “legs and genius” if he is to beat the “carefree” Ben Shelton in the US Open semi-finals, believes Justine Henin.

Shelton already reached this year’s Australian Open quarter-finals – losing to Tommy Paul in four sets – and has now gone at least one better in New York.

Speaking to Eurosport, former world No. 1 Henin said Shelton “exudes freshness and charisma”, and gave a nod to fellow youngster Carlos Alcaraz.

“He’s phenomenal,” Henin said of Shelton. “He was already phenomenal when we discovered him at this level in Melbourne.

“I have to be honest, it’s been very tough for him in the weeks after. He has waited for the US Open to show himself again, and he’s chosen his moment well. We love his spectacular tennis. He exudes freshness and charisma.

“We’ve often talked about Carlos Alcaraz, about the notion of pleasure, and now he [Shelton] is enjoying it. We’re not going to compare them, but to be able to offer that to the American public is exceptional. It’s crazy to see him in the semi-finals.”

When Shelton plays next it will be against one of the all-time greats.

Djokovic has 23 Grand Slam titles to his name and is set to return to world No. 1 following the tournament.

Henin, though, did not rule out an upset win for Shelton.

She explained: “We want there to be a match. We want Shelton, with his tennis, to be able to upset him.

“Not that we don’t want to see Djokovic win, but we’re looking forward to this confrontation, this clash of styles too.

“Will he [Shelton] be able to stay carefree? He seems well on the way to doing so. He’s expended a lot of physical energy, and you can tell he’s worked hard on that.

“After that, when you’re up against Novak Djokovic on such an important date, it’s hard not to imagine him there.

“Djokovic will also have the pride to show the youngsters that he’s the one with the legs and the genius to win.”