Ben Shelton is certainly making a name for himself at the Australian Open, a tournament he will forever remember. In 2023, he stunned fans by reaching the quarterfinals of his very second Grand Slam main draw while barely having played outside of the United States. Fast forward to this year, and the 23-year-old has advanced to another quarterfinal, continuing his impressive trajectory at Melbourne Park.
On Monday night, Shelton showcased his talent by defeating Casper Ruud with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, marking a significant achievement in his young career. The match saw Shelton unleash an impressive serve clocked at 228 km/h during a pivotal moment, alongside a total of 14 aces throughout the match.
In a post-match interview with retired champion Jim Courier, Shelton expressed his love for the atmosphere of the tournament. “I think I’m definitely a competitor, rowdy on the court,” he remarked, noting that the enthusiastic crowds in Australia add to the experience. His fondness for the tournament is evident, as he reminisced about falling in love with the Australian Open from his initial experience at John Cain Arena.
As Shelton gears up for his next match, fans eagerly anticipate what this emerging star will achieve in the remainder of the tournament. His journey represents not only personal growth but also a blossoming rivalry that could capture the hearts of tennis enthusiasts for years to come.