Ben Shelton is proving to be an unstoppable force at the Indian Wells Masters, causing a stir with his stellar performance. The young sportsman is now on the cusp of a significant career milestone, as he sets his sights on a substantial leap in the rankings.
Following in the footsteps of Andy Roddick, Shelton has made a name for himself as the youngest American quarter-finalist at Indian Wells since 2004. His remarkable victory against Brandon Nakashima, with a score of 7-6(6), 6-1, has catapulted him into his third ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.
The formidable game that Shelton brings to the court has left his adversaries scrambling in the preliminary rounds at Indian Wells. His recent triumph has propelled him up the ranks, earning a considerable rankings enhancement.
Shelton’s impressive run in the Californian desert has resulted in a jump to No. 12 in the live ATP Rankings, matching the highest point of the 22-year-old’s career so far. If Shelton continues his winning streak and clinches the Indian Wells Masters, he will secure a spot in the top 10 of the updated rankings – a first in his budding career.
His confidence is visibly soaring this season, having already made a splash at the Australian Open semi-finals in January. Even a run to the finals at Indian Wells could potentially boost him into the top 10.
Shelton’s performance elicited praise from himself, stating, “The second set was outstanding. It’s encouraging to score a two-break win against a server like Brandon.” He also shared his satisfaction with his current performance level and his continuous endeavor to augment his game.
The rise of Shelton has injected a fresh dose of optimism into American tennis. This sentiment is echoed by Patrick McEnroe, former USA Davis Cup captain and current joint-President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In an exclusive interview with Tennis365, McEnroe expressed his belief that players like Shelton and the USA’s No.1, Taylor Fritz, have the potential to vie for Grand Slam titles.
However, he also acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by competitors such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Despite this, McEnroe remains optimistic about the future of American tennis, highlighting the performances of other promising players such as Korda and Michelsen.
The journey to Grand Slam glory will undoubtedly be challenging, but Ben Shelton’s current trajectory indicates that he is a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to make waves at Indian Wells and beyond, the world of tennis eagerly awaits his next move.
