Career Timeline of Ben Shelton: Major Achievements and Milestones

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

Benjamin Todd Shelton is a professional American tennis player. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in March 2025 and a doubles ranking of No. 68 in May 2024. Shelton has secured two singles titles on the ATP Tour and advanced to the semifinals of two major tournaments: the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open, marking him as a rising star in the world of tennis.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Andy Roddick youngest champion

In 2024, Ben Shelton won his second career title and first on clay becoming the youngest champion since Andy Roddick in 2002.

March 2004: Youngest 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 to accomplish feat since Andy Roddick

At the 2025 BNP Paribas Open Shelton reached the quarterfinals for the first time at the tournament becoming the youngest American to accomplish the feat since Andy Roddick in 2004.

2016: USTA Junior National Championship

In 2016, Ben Shelton won the USTA junior national championship in doubles.

2019: USTA Boys 16s Doubles Clay Court Tournament Win

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

June 2020: Commitment to Florida Gators

In June 2020, Ben Shelton committed to play collegiate tennis for the Florida Gators, under his father, head coach Bryan Shelton.

2020: US Open Third Round

At the US Open in 2024, Ben Shelton reached the third round, defeating former 2020 champion Dominic Thiem in his final US Open.

2020: USTA Boys 18s Singles Winter Nationals Finalist

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

2021: Outstanding Second Year

In 2021, Ben Shelton had an outstanding second year in college, going 37–5 in singles matches.

2021: NCAA Championship

In 2021, Ben Shelton helped the Florida Gators win the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season title, and he won the championship-clinching match at the 2021 NCAA Championships, securing Florida's first national title.

2021: Florida Gators National Championship

In 2021, as a true freshman, Ben Shelton clinched the Florida Gators’ first team national championship with his victory at fifth singles.

July 2022: ATP Tour Debut

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

August 2022: Turns Professional

In August 2022, Ben Shelton announced that he would turn professional.

August 23, 2022: Announcement to Turn Professional

On August 23, 2022, Ben Shelton announced that he would not return to college and would turn professional. He also announced that he would be represented by agent Alessandro Sant Albano, who is a part of Roger Federer's TEAM8 management firm.

October 10, 2022: Top 160 Ranking

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

November 21, 2022: Top 100 Ranking

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

2022: Second Grand Slam

In 2022, Ben Shelton played his second Grand Slam at the US Open.

2022: SEC Player of the Year

In 2022, Ben Shelton won the NCAA Singles Championship, helped Florida defend their SEC title, and was named SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year.

2022: NCAA Division I Tennis Championship

In 2022, Ben Shelton won the men's singles title at the NCAA Division I Tennis Championships. He was also named the ITA National Player of the Year that same year.

2022: Turns professional

Shortly after winning his second round match at the 2022 Cincinnati Masters, Ben Shelton announced he would forgo his remaining college eligibility to turn professional and continue his college education online.

January 2023: Australian Open Quarterfinals

In January 2023, Ben Shelton reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, which was just 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, as a result of making it to his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2023 US Open.

October 23, 2023: Top 15 Ranking

On October 23, 2023, Ben Shelton reached the top 15 in the singles rankings, after reaching his maiden final and winning his maiden title at the 2023 Japan Open Tennis Championships.

2023: Service Aces at US Open

At the US Open in 2023, Ben Shelton hit two service aces at 149.0 miles per hour (239.8 km/h) in the same game, and he has hit serves at 150.0 miles per hour (241.4 km/h) on multiple separate occasions.

2023: Tough Start to American Hard Court Season

In 2023, Ben Shelton faced a tough start to the American hard court season, experiencing defeat in the opening round at the 2023 Delray Beach Open and the Mexican Open.

2023: US Open Semifinal

In 2023, Ben Shelton reached a major semifinal at the US Open.

2023: Australian Open Debut

In 2023, Ben Shelton reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, which was only his second Grand Slam after the 2022 US Open.

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 as a result of winning his second career title and first on clay at the 2024 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.

May 2024: Career-High Doubles Ranking

In May 2024, Ben Shelton achieved a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 68.

2024: Cincinnati Open Round of 16 and Quarterfinal

In 2024, Ben Shelton reached the round of 16 for the second time at the Cincinnati Open, saving a match point against Tomás Martín Etcheverry. He also reached his second Masters career quarterfinal with a win over Fábián Marozsán.