Career Timeline of Ben Shelton: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ben Shelton made an impact.

Ben Shelton is an American professional tennis player. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 7 in July 2025 and a doubles ranking of No. 68 in May 2024. Shelton has secured two ATP singles titles. His notable Grand Slam performances include reaching the semifinals of the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Andy Roddick's youngest champion title

Ben Shelton became the youngest champion since Andy Roddick in 2002.

March 2004: Andy Roddick American No. 1 player

Ben Shelton became the youngest American No. 1 player since Andy Roddick achieved the feat in March 2004.

2004: Youngest American in Indian Wells

At the Indian Wells Open, Ben Shelton became the youngest American to reach the quarterfinals since Andy Roddick in 2004.

2016: USTA junior national championship in doubles

In 2016, Shelton won the USTA junior national championship in doubles, marking an early achievement in his tennis career.

2019: USTA Boys 16s Doubles Clay Court tournament win

In 2019, Ben Shelton won the USTA Boys 16s Doubles Clay Court tournament.

2020: Collegiate Tennis at Florida Gators

In 2020, Ben Shelton began playing collegiate tennis for the Florida Gators, pursuing a finance major.

2020: USTA Boys 18s Singles Winter Nationals finalist

In 2020, Ben Shelton was a finalist at the USTA Boys 18s Singles Winter Nationals.

2021: NCAA Championship

In 2021, Ben Shelton won the championship-clinching match at the NCAA Championships, securing Florida's first national title.

2021: Singles Matches Record

In 2021, Shelton achieved a record of 37-5 in singles matches, including 14-2 in the No. 1 spot.

July 2022: ATP Tour debut

In July 2022, Ben Shelton made his ATP Tour debut at the Atlanta Open, winning his opening match.

August 2022: Turning Professional

In August 2022, Ben Shelton announced his decision to turn professional, marking a significant step in his tennis career.

August 23, 2022: Turning Professional Announcement

On August 23, 2022, Ben Shelton announced that he would turn professional and be represented by agent Alessandro Sant Albano of TEAM8 management firm.

October 10, 2022: Top 160 Ranking

On October 10, 2022, Ben Shelton moved into the top 160 in the rankings following his third Challenger final of the year at the 2022 Tiburon Challenger.

November 21, 2022: Top 100 Debut

On November 21, 2022, Ben Shelton debuted in the top 100 of the rankings, ending the year at world No. 97 after winning his third straight title at the Champaign–Urbana Challenger.

2022: Collegiate Tennis at Florida Gators

In 2022, Ben Shelton continued playing collegiate tennis for the Florida Gators as a finance major.

2022: NCAA Singles Championship and Awards

In 2022, Ben Shelton won the NCAA Singles Championship and was named SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year.

2022: US Open

In 2022, the US Open was Ben Shelton's first Grand Slam.

January 2023: Australian Open Quarterfinals

In January 2023, Ben Shelton reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, which was only his second major tournament.

March 2023: Sponsorships

As of March 2023, Ben Shelton is sponsored by On for clothing and shoes, and Yonex for racquets.

September 11, 2023: Top 20 Ranking

On September 11, 2023, Ben Shelton reached the top 20 in the rankings at world No. 19 after making it to his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2023 US Open.

October 22, 2023: Japan Open Title

On October 22, 2023, Ben Shelton won his first ATP Tour title at the Japan Open in Tokyo.

October 23, 2023: Top-15 Debut

On October 23, 2023, Ben Shelton's inaugural Tour title propelled him to debut in the top 15 at world No. 15, moving up from No. 19.

2023: Tough Start to American Hard Court Season

In 2023, Ben Shelton faced a difficult start to the American hard court season, with first-round losses at the Delray Beach Open and the Mexican Open.

2023: Australian Open Fourth Round

In 2023, Ben Shelton reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in his second Grand Slam after the 2022 US Open, securing wins against multiple players.

January 14, 2024: Partnership with Rolex

On January 14, 2024, Ben Shelton announced his partnership with Rolex.

April 8, 2024: Career-High Singles Ranking

On April 8, 2024, Ben Shelton reached a new career-high singles ranking of world No. 14 after his performance at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships.

April 15, 2024: American No. 1 Player

On April 15, 2024, Ben Shelton became the American No. 1 player ahead of Taylor Fritz, after performing well at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships.

2024: Tour Finals and Clay Court Title

In 2024, Ben Shelton made 2 more Tour finals, in addition to claiming his 2nd ATP Tour title at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, his first clay court title.