Ben Shelton, the rising American tennis star, kicked off 2025 with an outstanding performance at the Australian Open, reaching the semifinals. Though he was defeated by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Shelton’s performance in the first set showcased his growth as a player. His potential to win a major title this year is clear.
Ranked 12th in the world, Shelton has proven he has the skill to leave a significant mark on the tennis world. His wins against top-ranked players in major tournaments further confirm his ability. However, for Shelton to continue his winning streak, he needs to enhance his performance on surfaces other than hard courts, where his style sometimes becomes predictable.
Shelton’s journey in tennis is an intriguing one. Unlike many of his peers, who were identified as future stars early on, Shelton’s rise has been marked by steady improvement. He picked up a racket for the first time at age 12, and despite his family’s deep connection to tennis, he didn’t show immediate exceptional talent.
By the end of 2022, Shelton, once ranked 1829th in the world, had made an impressive leap into the ATP Top 100. His remarkable ascent continued into 2025, where he reached the Australian Open semifinals.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Shelton shared his thoughts on his career. “Most of these guys at the top were prodigies—playing from five or six years old. I wasn’t supposed to be this great player,” Shelton reflected. “But to get into the top 20 in the world within two years of playing college tennis? That’s something I don’t take for granted. It’s tough to be a finished product at 18 if you start at 12—but I’m not a finished product.”
Shelton’s words emphasize his humility and determination to keep improving. His journey is an inspiration for anyone who dreams big and is willing to work hard, even when starting later than others.
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