Top facts about Ben Shelton 

Ben Shelton has long been has been hailed as the future of American men's tennis.

After reaching the quarter-finals at this year's Australian Open and the semis at the U.S. Open where he became the youngest U.S. player since Andy Roddick in 2003 to reach the last four, Shetlon finally won his maiden ATP Tour title on Sunday (22 October).

Shelton clicnhed the Japan Open by beating Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1 in nthe final. 

"That means a lot to me and my team. We have been working really hard since the beginning to build my game and win titles on the ATP Tour," he said. "I made some deep runs lately. You see the great champions, they finish weeks off. They win titles, they don't just get to final. They are able to maintain ther level throughout the week. I am not saying, I am anywhere there yet, but to be able to do it for one week, put together five matches in a row in Tokyo is really special." 

U.S. legend John McEnroe told Eurosport at the U.S. Open that Shelton has more potential than any other male American player.

How well do you know this rising star, who turned professional just before last year’s US Open and boasts a massive left-handed serve?

Read on to find out some interesting facts about the 6’3 [1.9m] Atlanta native who broke into the Top 20 for the first time in his career.

Ben Shelton: Coached by his dad

His father Bryan was a professional player from 1989 to 1997, winning two ATP Tour singles titles and reaching No. 55 in the world.

Shelton Sr. reached at least the second round of all four Grand Slam tournaments in singles AND doubles. His best result was reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in 1994.

After he retired, he became a coach, overseeing the women's tennis team at Georgia Tech until 2012. He then moved on to coach the men's team at the University of Florida until 2023.

Before Ben turned pro, he played for the Gators - coached by his dad, who is now his full-time coach.

His mother Lisa also played tennis.

American football was his first athletic love

American football was his first athletic love, and the left-hander had a lot of fun as a quarterback.

Initially drawn to team sports, at the age of 12, Ben decided to focus on tennis, and it has paid off. He won the 2022 NCAA men’s singles title.

"I played pretty much every sport growing up and I really got hooked on American Football," said Shelton. "I switched to tennis a little bit later than most people but I fell in love with the game and began to train every day."

Compared to Nadal

His natural talent is obvious.

The left-hander's biggest weapon is his serve. It can reach a speed of over 140mph (225kmh) but don't underestimate his court coverage and his whipping forehand, which has been compared to Rafael Nadal's trademark stroke.

There is also his fearless mentality. "I love pressure moments," he says. "I am not scared of them."

Shelton feels that he still needs to work on his consistency, but making such an impact the U.S. Open speaks volumes.

This prodigy is the real deal and his rapid rise is no fluke.

Ben Shelton's nicknames

The tennis world certainly has taken note of the new phenom. The global media has given him a few interesting nicknames.

How about 'Box-Office-Ben'? Or 'Big Ben'?

In Ultimate Tennis Showdown the young American is known as 'The mountain'.

There will be more to come.....