Ben Shelton, hailing from the United States, is a professional tennis player. As of May 8, 2023, he reached his career-best ATP singles ranking at No. 35.
Additionally, on April 3, 2023, he achieved a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 159. In his earlier career, Shelton showcased his talent by clinching the 2016 USTA junior national championship title in doubles.
Ben Shelton Biography
Shelton (born October 9, 2002) is a rising star in American tennis, known for his powerful serve and impressive skills on the court. He achieved his career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 35 on May 8, 2023, and also reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 159 on April 3, 2023.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he comes from a family deeply rooted in tennis. His father, Bryan Shelton, is a former professional tennis player and the coach of the Florida Gators men’s tennis team.
His mother, Lisa Witsken Shelton, was a highly-ranked junior tennis player, and his uncle, Todd Witsken, also had a successful career as a professional tennis player. Furthermore, his sister, Emma, continued the family tradition by playing college tennis at the University of Florida.
Interestingly, despite the family’s strong tennis connections, Ben initially showed no interest in the sport, instead opting to play American football during his early years. However, at the age of 12, he decided to embrace tennis, receiving guidance from his father, who was a college tennis coach.
Ben’s decision to focus on domestic tennis rather than pursuing international junior tournaments played a pivotal role in his development. This choice allowed him to establish a consistent routine and hone his skills.
Ben Shelton Career
In his junior career, he reached impressive heights, peaking at No. 3 in the USTA Boy’s 18s division and achieving a ranking of No. 306 in the ITF Junior rankings. Notable achievements during this phase of his career include reaching the final of the 2020 USTA Boys 18s Singles Winter Nationals and winning the 2019 USTA Boys 16s Doubles Clay Court tournament.
In June 2020, on Father’s Day, he made the decision to commit to playing collegiate tennis for the Florida Gators, under the guidance of his father, Coach Bryan Shelton. Despite his young age, Ben made a significant impact during his time at the University of Florida.
As a true freshman in 2021, he played a crucial role in securing the Gators’ first team national championship with his victory at fifth singles. The following year, in 2022, he achieved further success by winning the men’s singles title at the 2022 NCAA Division I Tennis Championships. His outstanding performance in college tennis earned him the title of ITA National Player of the Year in 2022.
In 2023, Ben was slated to return to Florida for his junior year and expressed his intention to complete his finance degree. However, after an impressive run at the 2022 Cincinnati Masters, he decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and turn professional, while continuing his college education online.
His transition to the professional circuit has been marked by rapid progress and notable achievements. He made his ATP debut in July 2022 at the Atlanta Open, where he secured his first ATP win by defeating Ramkumar Ramanathan. The following week, he participated in the Cincinnati Masters, reaching the third round and recording a significant victory over world No. 5 Casper Ruud.
In August 2022, Ben officially announced his decision to turn professional, marking the beginning of his journey in the ATP Tour. He also made his Grand Slam debut at the US Open, where he showcased his potential with an impressive service game, including hitting the second-fastest serve of the tournament at 139 mph. In doubles, he teamed up with fellow American Christopher Eubanks, and they reached the second round.
Ben continued to make waves on the ATP Challenger Tour, winning multiple titles and steadily climbing the rankings. His remarkable achievements include winning three consecutive Challenger titles in three weeks, a historic feat in ATP Challenger Tour history. His rapid rise saw him break into the top 100 of the ATP rankings in November 2022.
In 2023, he achieved further milestones in his career. At the Australian Open, he reached the quarterfinals, marking his first appearance in a Major quarterfinal. He continued to impress by breaking into the top 50 of the ATP rankings, reaching a career-high of No. 44.
His standout weapon on the court is his formidable serve. He possesses a powerful first serve, averaging 126 miles-per-hour (203 kilometers-per-hour) and can generate significant kick on both first and second serves. As a left-handed player, Ben is known for his power and consistency on both the forehand and backhand sides.
He is comfortable at the net, utilizing his athleticism and hand skills to finish points. Ben has expressed a desire to further develop his serve-and-volley game, showcasing his ambition to evolve as a well-rounded player.
His remarkable journey from a young tennis enthusiast to a rising star in professional tennis is a testament to his talent, dedication, and determination. His achievements in both college and professional tennis mark him as one of the exciting prospects in American tennis, with a bright future ahead.
Ben Shelton Age
He is 20 years old. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on October 9, 2002.
Ben Shelton Height
He has a height of 1.93m.
Ben Shelton Parents
He was born to Bryan Shelton, a former professional tennis player and Florida Gators men’s tennis coach and Lisa Witsken Shelton, a highly ranked junior tennis player.
Ben Shelton Wife
He is not married and there is no information about his dating life.
Ben Shelton Siblings
He has a sister, Emma Shelton who played college tennis at Florida.
Ben Shelton Children
Shelton has no children.
Ben Shelton Net Worth
He has an estimated net worth of $1 million.
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