Ben Shelton: rapid rise of tennis star from Atlanta
2 june 2025 в 18:13
Born in 2002 in Atlanta, Shelton did not fully dedicate himself to tennis until around the age of 11, but his rise was noticeably rapid. After a brilliant college career at the University of Florida, Shelton turned professional in 2022 and began rapidly climbing the ATP rankings. By March 2025, he reached a career-high singles ranking of 12th and had already reached the semifinals of the US Open 2023 and the Australian Open 2025.
His father and coach, Brian Shelton, commented on his son’s tennis journey, saying, «I think things have developed much faster than I planned or thought, with Ben’s development on the court and his maturity as well».
Before turning professional, Shelton spent two seasons in college tennis at the University of Florida, where he helped the Gators team win the national championship in 2021. He then won the NCAA Men’s Singles Championship in 2022.
Shelton has won two ATP singles titles: the Japan Open 2023 and the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship 2024. His victory in Houston was particularly historic, marking the first ATP final between two African-American men in the Open Era, when he defeated Frances Tiafoe.
Even after turning professional, Shelton continued his education, taking online courses at the University of Florida. Initially studying finance, he later switched to an online business degree to better accommodate his travel and training schedule.
In March 2025, Shelton and US women’s national team forward Trinity Rodman made their relationship public on Instagram. Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, was seen supporting Shelton at his matches, including the French Open 2025
His father and coach, Brian Shelton, commented on his son’s tennis journey, saying, «I think things have developed much faster than I planned or thought, with Ben’s development on the court and his maturity as well».
Before turning professional, Shelton spent two seasons in college tennis at the University of Florida, where he helped the Gators team win the national championship in 2021. He then won the NCAA Men’s Singles Championship in 2022.
Shelton has won two ATP singles titles: the Japan Open 2023 and the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship 2024. His victory in Houston was particularly historic, marking the first ATP final between two African-American men in the Open Era, when he defeated Frances Tiafoe.
Even after turning professional, Shelton continued his education, taking online courses at the University of Florida. Initially studying finance, he later switched to an online business degree to better accommodate his travel and training schedule.
In March 2025, Shelton and US women’s national team forward Trinity Rodman made their relationship public on Instagram. Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, was seen supporting Shelton at his matches, including the French Open 2025
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