Ben Shelton, a rising tennis sensation, has fleetly captured the attention of the tennis world with his remarkable achievements on the court. With an unwavering passion for the sport, his career has been nothing short of inspiring.
In a remarkably short period, Shelton has pelted himself to new heights. Achieving a career-high ranking of No. 14 in April 2024, which is his current ranking, he broke into the Top 100 in November 2022. He won his first ATP singles title at the 2023 Japan Open Tennis Championships. This rapid rise showcases his exceptional talent and relentless dedication. At the 2024 U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, Shelton won his second ATP singles title after upsetting Frances Tiafoe in the first-ever African-American men's singles tennis championship match. He finished quarterfinalist at the 2024 Mallorca Championship.
At the age of 21, Shelton made a profound impact on the international stage. During his maiden international trip, he reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 Australian Open, becoming the youngest American to do so since 1982. This achievement underscored his prowess and potential on the global stage. Also, his performance in the 2023 US Open was exceptional, where he reached the semifinal.
Shelton’s journey has also been marked by significant upsets. In his ATP Masters 1000 debut at age 19, he defeated Casper Ruud to secure a place in the Cincinnati Masters third round. This victory drew parallels to past tennis legends like Andy Roddick, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
Who is Bryan Shelton?
Bryan Shelton is the father of Ben Shelton. Bryan himself is a former tennis player and was the coach of the Florida Gators men’s team. Ben’s mother, Lisa Witsken Shelton was also a top-ranked junior tennis player.
Bryan Shelton has had a remarkable journey in both playing and coaching. He played college tennis at Georgia Tech from 1985 to 1988, and he then pursued a professional career from 1989 to 1997. After his playing days, he embarked on a successful coaching path. Returning to his alma mater, Shelton first coached the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets women's tennis team. Under his guidance, the team clinched the prestigious NCAA Women's Tennis Championship in 2007, showcasing his coaching prowess.
Shelton's impact extended beyond Georgia Tech. He later led the Florida Gators men's tennis team at the University of Florida, steering them to a monumental victory in the 2021 NCAA Championship. What sets him apart is his unique achievement of securing national championships in both men's and women's NCAA Division I Tennis – a testament to his exceptional coaching skills and dedication.
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Who is the coach of Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton replaced Dean Goldfine and is now his son’s full-time coach.
Ben Shelton considered teaming up with his father in 2022. However, Bryan, who was coaching the Florida Gators at the time, chose to stay focused on his job. Hence the coaching reins were given to Dean Goldfine, who is also a highly renowned coach.
After the Florida men's team's elimination at the NCAA tennis tournament, Bryan announced he would be leaving his role with the University of Florida to work full-time with his son.
During his tenure at the University of Florida, Bryan boasted an impressive 65-10 singles record over two seasons. Under the guidance of his father, Ben clinched both the 2021 NCAA team title and the 2022 NCAA singles title, showcasing his multifaceted talent. Now he is ready to coach his son on the ATP tour.
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FAQs
A. Shelton is sponsored by On and Yonex.
A. Ben Shelton turned pro in the year 2022.
A. Ben Shelton is 21 years old. He was born on October 9, 2002.
A. Ben Shelton is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall.
