History of Ben Shelton in Timeline

Ben Shelton is an American professional tennis player known for his achievements in the sport. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 5 in November 2025 and No. 68 in doubles in May 2024. Shelton is currently the highest-ranked American male singles player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 9, 2002: Benjamin Shelton's Birth

On October 9, 2002, Benjamin Todd Shelton was born. He is an American professional tennis player.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Andy Roddick Champion

Ben Shelton is 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 Accomplishment

At the Indian Wells 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.

2005: Youngest American Reach

Shelton is the youngest American to reach the last four at an ATP 1000, since Andy Roddick in 2005 in Indian Wells.

2019: Won USTA Boys 16s Tournament in Doubles

In 2019, Ben Shelton won the USTA Boys 16s tournament in doubles.

December 2020: Reached Junior Combined Ranking of No. 306

In December 2020, Ben Shelton reached a junior combined ranking of No. 306 on the ITF junior circuit.

2020: Dominic Thiem's Last US Open

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

2020: Runner-up at USTA Boys 18s Winter Nationals

In 2020, Ben Shelton was a runner-up at the USTA Boys 18s Winter Nationals.

2020: Played Collegiate Tennis for the Florida Gators

Starting in 2020, Ben Shelton played collegiate tennis for the Florida Gators and mostly played No. 5 singles as a freshman.

2021: Singles Matches Record

In 2021, Ben Shelton had a record of 37-5 in singles matches.

2021: Won NCAA Championships

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

August 23, 2022: Turned Professional

On August 23, 2022, Ben Shelton announced he would not return to college and would turn professional. He was represented by agent Alessandro Sant Albano.

October 10, 2022: Moved into Top 160 in Rankings

On October 10, 2022, Ben Shelton moved into the top 160 in the rankings.

November 21, 2022: Debuted in Top 100 of Rankings

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: Continued Playing Collegiate Tennis

In 2022, Ben Shelton continued to play collegiate tennis for the Florida Gators.

2022: US Open Appearance

In 2022, Ben Shelton played in the US Open.

2022: Returned to Florida for Junior Year

In 2022, Ben Shelton returned to Florida for his junior year to complete his finance degree, but soon continued his college education online.

2022: Won NCAA Singles Championship

In 2022, Ben Shelton won the NCAA Singles Championship over August Holmgren and finished the season as the nation's top-ranked player and was named SEC Player of the Year and National Player of the Year.

March 2023: Sponsorships with On and Yonex

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

September 11, 2023: Reached 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 US Open.

October 23, 2023: Reached Top 15 in Rankings

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

2023: Fastest Serve

During the 2023 US Open, Ben Shelton hit two service aces at 149.0 miles per hour in the same game and has hit serves at 150.0 miles per hour on multiple separate occasions.

2023: Hard Court Season Struggles

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