If you’re a fan of tennis, you probably already know about Ben Shelton—at least since the early minutes of this morning, around 12:30 am, when Shelton earned a spot in the US Open semifinals with his thrilling triumph over another American sensation, Frances Tiafoe. (Against Friday, Shelton takes against 23-time Grand Slam victor Novak Djokovic.)
However, if this is the first you’ve heard of him, then sit tight. Since going professional just one year ago, when he was rated 165th in the world, the 20-year-old has experienced a crazy ride. He will be at least 19th when the new rankings are released on Monday (and, of course, considerably higher if he manages a stunning upset of Djokovic).
He took a somewhat unusual route to the top. Although Shelton had a father who was a former professional, a mother who was a top-ranked junior player, an uncle who was an earlier pro, and a sister who played college tennis, he didn’t really commit to tennis until he was about 12 years old. This is despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that most professionals today begin playing with a certain seriousness at the age of 3 or 4 and are frequently fully invested in the game before they reach double digits.
The fact that his father was now the tennis coach at the University of Florida, where Shelton first started to really shine, undoubtedly contributed to this. Shelton won the NCAA singles title there before turning pro late last year, and he did so with a bang, defeating world number five Casper Ruud in the second match of his second tournament. He advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open earlier this year, and even before last night’s significant victory, his ascent through the Open had been beyond outstanding.
It wasn’t just that he defeated a major opponent on a huge platform; it was also how he did it: with back-to-back, lightning-fast 149 mph ace serves (the fastest in the competition) and some unlikely, go-for-broke groundstrokes. After having double-failed twice and being on the verge of saving a break point that would have tied the match at two sets apiece, Shelton unleashed a ridiculous all-in forehand that, only when he summoned the courage and determination of a 20-year-old playing the match of his life, found the exact corner of the court and electrified the crowd at Ashe Stadium.
After the game, Shelton commented about that shot, “I’d been so stressed about things.” “I needed a release because I had been under so much stress, and it turned out well for me.” Indeed.
Shelton added that he achieved success by “being tough and relentless.” And despite the extreme heat, humidity, and stress of the situation, he maintained his cool to reflect on his luck.
The greatest tennis match of my life is taking place right now, even though I’m in a lot of physical agony, as I walk to collect my towel in the fourth set.
Shelton was realistic about the possibility of competing against Djokovic, but he also gave the impression that he might still have a few surprises under his sleeve.
He spoke in one breath, saying, “I’m quite glad I got two days off,” and then added, “Maybe I can bring a few things to the table that maybe you don’t see in a normal match. On Friday, I’m going to make an effort to bring something novel and perhaps disruptive.