Dream Run at Australian Open Launches Ben Shelton as US Tennis’ Newest Star

Emerging talent from the United States has made a remarkable impact at the Australian Open, with three American men reaching the quarterfinals in Melbourne.

This marks the first time since 2000—when Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Chris Woodruff made it to the last eight—that three US players have achieved this feat at the Australian Open, according to the ATP.

Among these three, the most surprising and relatively unknown player is 20-year-old Ben Shelton. Prior to traveling to New Zealand and Australia for his first Grand Slam of the year, Shelton had never been outside the US.

The big-serving left-hander is competing in only his second major tournament, having made his Grand Slam debut at the US Open at the end of 2022.

Shelton, currently ranked world No. 89, is rapidly climbing the rankings thanks to his impressive performance in Australia, and he’s on the verge of breaking into the top 50.

“He’s a big server, he has an unbelievable forehand where he can really put pressure on his opponents and dictate play,” former professional tennis player and current commentator Barbara Schett told CNN Sports. “Being a left-hander is a big advantage, and he has this lightness about him.”

Shelton’s athletic pedigree is important, as his father, Bryan Shelton, was a professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of 55 in the world and made the mixed doubles final of the French Open. Bryan Shelton has been a successful coach in the US since retiring.

Initially, Ben preferred American football over tennis, but he eventually followed in his father’s footsteps, honing his skills in college and on the ATP Challenger circuit.

Schett praised Shelton’s intensity on the court and highlighted the guidance he receives from his father. “It’s very refreshing to see somebody so young and new,” she added.

Shelton’s first outstanding breakthrough on the ATP Tour occurred at the Cincinnati Masters in August 2022, where he defeated world No. 56 Lorenzo Sonego and secured his first win over a top-five player by beating Casper Ruud in straight sets.

His Grand Slam debut at the US Open ended with a first-round exit after a five-set battle against Portugal’s Nuno Borges. However, Shelton finished 2022 strongly on the Challenger Tour, reaching four finals out of six tournaments and winning three to end the year ranked inside the top 100.

Despite a mixed start to 2023, including a loss in qualifying at the Adelaide International, Shelton showed promise by defeating Sebastian Baez in the first round in Auckland. Yet, few anticipated his remarkable run at the Australian Open.

“Definitely a surprise,” Shelton admitted to reporters about his success. “I got on the plane with no expectations. It’s very hard to adjust to Australia from the United States with the jet lag and time change. Being my first time out of the US, I knew it would be a struggle. So, I think not having expectations and just playing freely has contributed to my success.”

Shelton secured his first Grand Slam victory by overcoming China’s Zhang Zhizhen in five sets, followed by straight-set wins against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry and Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. On Monday, Shelton endured another five-set battle against compatriot J.J. Wolf to secure his place in the quarterfinals, where he will face fellow American Tommy Paul.

Paul, an established top 50 player with an ATP title and a career-high ranking of No. 28, presents Shelton’s toughest challenge yet at the Australian Open. While Paul is the favorite to advance to the semifinals, Shelton’s dream run in Melbourne makes it difficult to count him out.

The 2023 season was already promising for US tennis, but Shelton’s emergence has further enhanced an exciting group of young American talents.