When Ben Shelton burst onto the scene and made the semifinals of the 2023 US Open, it was clear he was a player destined for big things. After a successful college career, Shelton announced himself to the world when he reached the last four of a Slam at just his second attempt, before losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic.
Surprisingly, and impressively, Shelton has reached two Major semifinals before getting to that same stage at a Masters 1000. But, after getting his first Top 10 win of the year against Alex de Minaur, he’s made the final four of a Masters event for the first time, setting up a blockbuster clash with fellow American Taylor Fritz in Toronto.
Breaking New Ground
After his breakthrough almost two years ago, Shelton has continued his meteoric rise, winning a title in both of his full years on Tour so far. Arguably his biggest achievement to date came midway through June this year, when he broke into the Top 10 for the first time after beating Jiri Lehecka in Stuttgart.
Now, he is looking to go a step further and reach the final of a Masters event for the first time, where he would face either Alexander Zverev or Karen Khachanov.
The Man For The Big Occasion
Despite perhaps not having as many titles as his ranking might suggest, Shelton continues to shine on the biggest stage.
Nobody in recent history has outperformed their regular Tour level in Slams as much as the big-serving 22-year-old. Only four players on tour have a better Grand Slam win percentage than the American: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Zverev. Not bad company.
This year, his Slam results have been another semifinal, this time in Melbourne. He also reached the fourth round in Paris and a quarterfinal at Wimbledon. Only two players have defeated Shelton at a Slam in 2025–Alcaraz and Sinner. Every time, Shelton has lost to the eventual winner.
America’s New Hope
Ahead of the 2025 US Open, there is real hope that Shelton can become the man to end the almost-22-years wait for an American man to win a Grand Slam.
If he can avoid Sinner or Alcaraz until late on, then who knows what might happen. An Arthur Ashe crowd during the night session getting behind their countryman would be a daunting experience for anyone.
Of course, you can never count out Djokovic as well, but outside of them three, then you would have to say Shelton is one of the favorites and still at only 22 year old, it’s anyone’s guess what he might go onto achieve.