ben shelton

Biography

Overview
Ben Shelton turned pro in 2022 and returns for a second Laver Cup appearance with defending champions Team World at Laver Cup Berlin 2024 after a sensational debut in Vancouver where he won three matches without dropping a set. In just two years he has transitioned from the US college system to become a leading American on the pro circuit. On his first overseas trip, Shelton 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 2023 US Open, with a sensational run to the semifinals, proving once again that he plays his best tennis in high stakes matches.

Off Court
Shelton 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. Shelton 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. He played quarterback in American football before switching his focus to tennis.

Career
Shelton picked up his second ATP singles title in 2024 at Houston on clay, where he defeated Team World teammate Frances Tiafoe in the championship match and rose to a career-high No.14 in the PIF ATP rankings. The dynamic, net-rushing left-hander relishes the big stage, and sensationally won three five-set matches en route to a fourth-round clash with world No.1 Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon in July. In 2023, before his Laver Cup debut, Shelton became the youngest American US Open semifinalist since Michael Chang in 1992.

2024 Highlights
Won: Houston
Semifinals: Auckland, Dallas, Washington
Quarterfinals: Acapulco, Mallorca, Cincinnati
R16: Indian Wells, Wimbledon
3R: Australian Open, US Open