American phenom Ben Shelton hasn't forgotten the opportunity he was given at Auckland's ASB Classic, committing to his second appearance at the event in January.
Given a wildcard entry this year, Shelton, then ranked 96th in the world, reached the second round of the rain-affected tournament with victory over seventh seed Sebastian Baez, before falling to Frenchman Quentin Halys at the next stage.
Since then, Shelton, 21, has rocketed in the rankings and currently sits 16th, after capturing his maiden ATP Tour win at the Japan Open and reaching the US Open semi-finals, where his dream run was eventually ended by recordbreaking Serb Novak Djokovic.
He also built on his ASB Classic result to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals two weeks later, when he lost to fellow American Tommy Paul in four sets.
The lessons learned on his first full year on the tour have fuelled his rapid improvement, starting at Auckland.
"The ASB Classic was one of my first tournament that I played outside the US," he reflected. "I think I've learned a lot about trying to eat at the right times, to adjust to time changes, try to get to sleep and change my clock a few days before travelling to a new place.
"It's definitely difficult adjust to travel to new places, but each week I get more experience and I improve in that area."
Like many young professionals, Shelton didn't venture far beyond his inner city hotel and stadium, but his visit left a good impression.
"Auckland was my first win of the year on the ATP Tour," he said. "To start things off the right way in a place I really enjoyed was important to my success that followed at the Australian Open and for the rest of the year.
"Next year, I am looking forward to venturing out a little bit more, seeing a few more of the sights... maybe taking the ferry, and visit the black sand island or beach."
The ASB men's tournament runs from January 8-13.
