Overview
Ben Shelton turned pro in 2022 and is making his Laver Cup debut with Team World in Vancouver. On his first overseas trip, he advanced to the Australian Open 2023 quarterfinals and, at the age of 20, became the youngest American man to reach the last eight in a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick’s 2002 US Open run at the same age. He relished the spotlight again at the US Open, with a sensational run to the semifinals, proving once again that he plays his best tennis in high-stakes matches.
Off Court
Ben is coached by his father, Bryan, a former world No.55-ranked professional who now travels full time with his son after a long career with the University of Florida. Ben began playing tennis at age 10 and competed for the University of Florida, winning the 2021 NCAA men’s team title and the 2022 NCAA singles title before turning pro. He has continued to study entrepreneurship and international business remotely, and says his dream job is working on Wall Street.
Career
Shelton made headlines at his first appearance in a Grand Slam main draw in Melbourne, and his first trip outside the US, putting aside Alexei Popyrin in straight sets (R3), J.J.Wolf in five sets (R16) and pushing Tommy Paul to four sets in their quarterfinal at Australian Open 2023. He won his first Wimbledon match in July, overcoming Japan’s Taro Daniel in five sets and pushed No.1 Carlos Alcaraz to a second set tiebreaker in their second round match at the Canadian Open. Before heading to Vancouver for Laver Cup 2023, he made world headlines once again with a commanding run to the US Open semifinals, defeating No.10 Frances Tiafoe in the final eight and Tommy Paul in the R16.
2023 Season Highlights
Semifinals: US Open
Quarterfinals: Australian Open
2R: Cincinnati, Canada, Wimbledon, London, Barcelona, Estoril, Indian Wells