Ben Shelton, the tennis sensation who has been consistently making headlines, began 2025 with an impressive performance, reaching the Australian Open’s semifinals. Although he succumbed to the world’s top player, Jannik Sinner, the match’s first set was a testament to Shelton’s growth as a player. The American sportsman’s potential to claim a major title this year is undeniable.
Ranked 12th in the world, Shelton has demonstrated that he possesses the skills to influence the contemporary tennis landscape. His victories over top-seeded players in renowned tournaments substantiate this claim. However, for Shelton to maintain a consistent win streak, he needs to improve his gameplay beyond hard courts, where his style tends to become monotonous and hence, predictable.
Tracing Shelton’s ascend in tennis provides an interesting narrative. Unlike his counterparts, who were seemingly destined for greatness from the get-go, Shelton’s journey has been marked by gradual improvement. Picking up a racket for the first time at the age of 12, Shelton did not instantly display prodigious talent, despite his family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport.
Fast forward four years, Shelton, who was once ranked 1829th in the world, made an impressive ascent to the top 100 of the ATP ranking by the end of 2022. The year 2025 saw him achieve semifinalist status at the Australian Open.
During an in-depth conversation with ‘Vogue’, Shelton, who aspires to clinch a prestigious victory at Indian Wells in front of his home crowd, reflected on his professional journey. He said, “Most of these guys who are at the top of the game right now, they were prodigies—five or six years old, racket in their hand, training every day. I wasn’t really supposed to be this great player. And so to get to top 20 in the world within two years of playing college tennis? That’s something that I don’t take for granted. It’s tough to be a finished product by 18 if you start at 12—but I’m not a finished product.”
Shelton’s words not only highlight his humility but also underscore his determination to further hone his skills and reach new heights in the world of tennis. His story serves as inspiration for many who dare to dream big and are willing to work hard, even when the odds are stacked against them.