As the Australian Open nears its conclusion, it has already provided plenty of thrilling moments and new stars to keep spectators engaged and amazed. One such player who caught everyone’s attention was Ben Shelton – an emerging American star who miraculously reached the semi-finals at Grand Slam events for only the second time! Shelton made waves throughout tennis community thanks to his dynamic play, earning praise even from former pro Mardy Fish himself!
Shelton has notched impressive victories against more seasoned or higher-ranked opponents such as Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils and Lorenzo Sonego – particularly his win against Sonego which featured nine aces and ended in four sets (6-3, 6-2, 3-6 and 6-1) has captured Fish’s attention on social media; on his official profile for Tennis Fish expressed his adoration by writing, “Ben Shelton is an absolute dawg! Monster game! Shows up at all major stages – I think multiple Grand Slams!” Fish expressed his appreciation by writing on social media: “Ben Shelton is an absolute dawg! Monster game! Shows up on all major stages – I think multiple grand slams.” Fish expressed this sentiment on social media; Fish also expressed this same appreciation with comments such as: “Ben Shelton is an absolute dawg. Monster game! Shows up on all major stages! I think multiple grand slams won by now!” Fish stated his admiration by writing:”Ben Shelton is an absolute dawg. Monster game. Shows up on big stages! I think multiple grand slam wins multiple grand slams before.” Fish also noted his accomplishment by writing on social media:” I think Ben Shelton won multiple Grand slams.” Fish stated his appreciation:”Ben Shelton is absolutely dawg Monster game.” I think multiple Grand slam wins multiple grand Slams will soon”! I… “
This praise arrives at a time when many have been looking towards Taylor Fritz as the next American male to end the Grand Slam drought extending since Andy Roddick’s 2003 win. Fritz, with notable achievements including reaching the US Open and WTA Finals finals last year, had been seen as a beacon of hope. Yet, with Fritz no longer in contention for the current tournament, focus has shifted towards Shelton as a fresh face for American tennis ambitions.
Shelton has long been met with high anticipation. Last year on Good Trouble With Nick Kyrgios, tennis icon John McEnroe selected Shelton as a possible candidate for America’s new Big Three; noting her significant progress and potential impact in American tennis. Soon enough she is facing Jannik Sinner in a semi-final clash; though their history is less-than-cozy he has plans in mind that aim at improving both serve performance and adaptability on court.
Shelton sees maintaining a high first-serve percentage as being key, along with changing his serving strategy to adapt to previous match challenges. His focus for improving adaptability as a hallmark trait in all great tennis players. With competition escalating further and closer towards its conclusion, all eyes will be watching him to see whether or not his journey continues unimpeded and whether or not it results in victory; regardless of its results however, Shelton’s impact has already been felt across the tennis landscape.