At just 22 years old, Ben Shelton is quickly becoming one of the most electrifying talents in professional tennis. With a booming serve, fearless aggression, and a Grand Slam semifinal already under his belt, the American sensation is now setting his sights on even greater heights in 2025.
Fresh off a deep run at the Australian Open, Shelton began his Dallas Open campaign in dominant fashion, dispatching Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets and sending a clear message to the rest of the field—he’s here to win.
Shelton’s Journey: From NCAA Champion to ATP Breakout Star
Tennis runs in the Shelton family—his father, Bryan Shelton, was a professional player and a successful college coach. But Ben’s rise has been nothing short of sensational.
🏆 Won the NCAA Division 1 Singles Championship at the University of Florida
🎾 Turned pro in 2022, immediately making waves on the ATP Tour
🔥 Captured two ATP singles titles and reached the semifinals of the 2023 US Open & 2024 Australian Open
💥 One of the most explosive servers on tour, capable of hitting 159 mph bombs
Now ranked inside the ATP Top 15, Shelton has all the tools to become a Grand Slam champion—and 2025 could be his year.
Shelton Makes a Statement in Dallas
Playing in front of a home crowd, Shelton delivered a flawless opening-round performance, defeating Aleksandar Vukic 6-3, 6-3 in just over an hour.
🔹 90% first-serve points won
🔹 Zero break points faced
🔹 Three breaks of serve against a strong opponent
For a player known for his massive serving, it was his return game that stood out.
“To break him three times tonight is something I take a lot of confidence in,” Shelton said. “And moving forward in the tournament, I feel confident.”
Even with a radar gun registering one of his serves at 159 mph, Shelton wasn’t convinced.
“That was a BS gun,” he joked, downplaying the eye-popping speed reading.
But one thing is undeniable—Shelton’s game is reaching another level.
What’s Next for Shelton? The Future Looks Bright
Shelton has been steadily building momentum, and he believes his recent success is the result of long-term hard work, not an overnight breakthrough.
“I don’t think it’s an overnight thing. Maybe it’s a bit of an evolution, but just steady work paying off,” he said.
His goal for 2025? More titles, deeper Grand Slam runs, and possibly breaking into the ATP Top 10.
With his confidence soaring and his game improving, Ben Shelton isn’t just a rising star anymore—he’s a legitimate threat on tour.
