Ben Shelton: The Rising Star of U.S. Tennis
Ben Shelton, the 20-year-old American tennis player, has taken the U.S. Open by storm with his impressive performance, securing a spot in the semifinals. In a thrilling match against fellow American Frances Tiafoe, Shelton emerged victorious with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 win. This win has officially established him as the latest rising star in U.S. tennis.
Next up for Shelton is a face-off against Novak Djokovic, the No. 2 seed and 23-time Grand Slam champion, in the semifinals on Friday. Shelton’s achievement of reaching the major semifinals at such a young age is remarkable. He is the youngest American man to reach this stage since Andy Roddick in 2003 and the youngest at the U.S. Open since Michael Chang in 1992.
Who is Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton, born in Atlanta, comes from a family of tennis players. Despite being more interested in football as a child, he eventually switched to tennis. Shelton attended the University of Florida, where he was coached by his father, Bryan. During his time at the university, Shelton had an impressive record of 65-10 and won the NCAA singles title in 2022.
Shelton turned professional in late 2022 and showed glimpses of his potential with wins at the Cincinnati Masters that year. He defeated Lorenzo Sonego and Casper Ruud, both ranked players, showcasing his talent. However, he entered 2023 as a relatively unknown player, ranked just inside the top 100 after accumulating most of his points on the Challenger Tour.
Has Shelton achieved similar success before?
Shelton’s run to the quarterfinals at this year’s Australian Open hinted at his potential. Although he lost to Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals, he managed to reach that stage without defeating any seeded players. However, his performance in the U.S. Open has been even more impressive, with wins over top-15 seeds and a former Grand Slam champion.
Apart from his success in Melbourne and New York, Shelton’s results in other events in 2023 have been disappointing. He has struggled, winning only eight out of 28 matches.
How did Shelton reach the semifinals?
Ranked 47th going into the U.S. Open, Shelton was unseeded and faced Argentina’s Pedro Cachin in the first round, defeating him convincingly. In the second round, he advanced when Dominic Thiem, the 2020 U.S. Open champion, retired due to illness. Shelton then defeated Aslan Karatsev in the third round and avenged his loss to Tommy Paul in the fourth round.
In the quarterfinals, Shelton faced Frances Tiafoe, and their match was a thrilling encounter. With Tiafoe’s defeat, Shelton became the last American man standing in the tournament.
Analyzing Shelton’s game
Shelton’s game is highlighted by his powerful serve, which can reach speeds over 140 mph. He also possesses an athletic ability that allows him to cover the court effectively. His forehand shots are heavy and accurate, reminiscent of another famous left-hander, Rafael Nadal.
However, Shelton’s youthfulness often leads to inconsistency and overly aggressive play. This was evident in his match against Tiafoe when he double-faulted twice while serving for the set. Nevertheless, he displayed resilience and managed to win the crucial tiebreak.
Can Shelton defeat Djokovic?
Shelton has never faced Djokovic before, so there is no historical precedent to predict the outcome. However, Shelton’s powerful serve gives him a chance against any opponent. He will need to maintain consistency and composure against Djokovic, who is known for his strong return game and wealth of experience. Djokovic is the heavy favorite in this matchup.
Implications of Shelton’s run
Even if Shelton loses to Djokovic, his performance in the U.S. Open will significantly impact his ranking. He will gain 710 ATP rankings points, which will propel him into the top 20. A victory over Djokovic could potentially place him in the top 15. Winning the U.S. Open title would be a remarkable achievement and could elevate him to the top 10.
Ben Shelton’s journey in the U.S. Open has captivated tennis fans worldwide. His remarkable talent and youthful exuberance have made him a rising star in U.S. tennis. As he prepares to face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, all eyes will be on Shelton to see if he can continue his impressive run and make history at the U.S. Open.