Since then, however, Shelton has failed to string together wins, having suffered early exits at three consecutive tournaments

He bowed out in the third round of Indian Wells, the second round in Miami, and won just one match at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.

Now, Shelton has travelled to Europe to get his Munich Open campaign underway, where he made the final last year.

Ben Shelton discusses his level ahead of the Munich Open

Shelton was beaten by home hope Alexander Zverev in last year’s championship match in Munich, losing in straight sets.

Having played one clay-court event in Houston before aiming to reach the final again in Munich, Shelton says his level on the surface is not where it needs to be.

Speaking to Tennis TV, he said: “I feel good. I think, you know, the more time that I spend on it, the better that I get, the more clear I feel my identity is on the court.

Who is the best ATP player never to win a Grand Slam title?

Is it Alexander Zverev, Marcelo Rios, Tomas Berdych, David Ferrer or maybe even someone else?

“And yeah, just really looking forward to continuing to work on things and improve.

“You know, I’m not where I want to be on clay or on any surface, to be honest, but I try to get closer and closer each year.”

Ben Shelton reflects on last year’s campaign at the Munich Open

“It was a lot of fun playing here last year. I think this tournament has amazing energy. I think Munich is a city that loves sports, so to be a part of that is cool.

“I got to go to a Bayern Munich game last year and the atmosphere was insane. As the tournament went on the centre court was packed and it was a lot of fun to play here.”

Shelton came close to crashing out early in Munich last year, having faced a match point against Croatian star Borna Gojo before coming back from a set down to win and advance.

He said: “Going from almost losing in the first round, being down match point to then playing in the final here, my first 500 final on clay was really cool.”

In the first round at this year’s edition of the Munich Open, Shelton will take on compatriot Emilio Nava.