US Open, father, The Mountain, phone celebration: Everything you always wanted to know about Ben Shelton (but never had time to ask) – updated after 2024 Houston title
Find out more about the rising young American, who just win his first ATP singles title in Tokyo
Chryslene Caillaud/Panoramic
Who is Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton is a professional tennis player from the US.
Why is Ben Shelton in the news?
Ben Shelton won his second-ever ATP title on April 7, 2024, defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the final of the Houston Open, an ATP 250 tournament.
In what was the first-ever ATP final contested between two African American men, Shelton outplayed Tiafoe by gaining two crucial breaks in the first and third sets to win 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. It is the 21-year-old’s first title on clay, and sees him rise to a new career-high ranking of No 14 in the world.
What did Ben Shelton accomplish at the 2023 Japan Open?
Shelton won his first ATP singles title at the 2023 Japan Open in October 2023. The 21-year-old came from a set and 5-2 (double break) down to beat American qualifier Marcos Giron 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 in the semis and then defeated Russia’s Aslan Karatsev in the final in straight sets. The win guarantees that he will make his debut in the top 15 of the world rankings on October 2023.
What is Shelton’s signature celebration move?
Shelon has a signature ‘phone celebration’ move that he first debuted after his quarter-final win against Frances Tiafoe at the 2023 US Open. The move sees Shelton pick up an imaginary telephone and then hang it up.
Since then, Shelton also repeated the move at the black carpet event of the 2023 Laver Cup in Vancouver, Canada and after beating Jannik Sinner in Shanghai.
The move has also been imitated by several players, including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who did it after beating Shelton in the US Open semi-finals, and Italian Lorenzo Musetti at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals.
Did Novak Djokovic mimic Shelton’s phone celebration move?
Following his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory over Shelton in the US Open semi-finals, Novak Djokovic mimicked Shelton’s trademark “dialed in” telephone celebration.
It’s a celebration that Shelton en route to his first Grand Slam semi-final appearance — not directed at any opponent. Many speculated that the Serb meant it as taunting gesture toward his younger opponent and resulted in icy handshake between the two at the net.
What did Ben Shelton do at the US Open in 2023?
Ben Shelton reached his first-ever Grand Slam semi-final, beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in four sets to set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic. The American lost that match 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(4) to end the country’s hopes of producing a first home-grown winner of the US Open men’s singles title.
Throughout the tournament, Shelton gained attention for being boisterous on court, and for celebrating his victories by miming hanging up a cellphone, intended to indicate that he was “dialled in”. The gesture, as well as Shelton’s behaviour on court, drew mixed responses, with some praising the energy Shelton brought, while others criticised the 20-year-old for being brash.
After Djokovic defeated Shelton in the semi-finals, the Serbian mimicked Shelton’s cellphone celebration before the pair had a cold handshake at the net.
Shelton had previously reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier that year, losing to Tommy Paul. He could not back up his run the following year, however, falling in five sets to Adrian Mannarino in the third round at the 2024 Australian Open.
What did Ben Shelton do at the 2023 Laver Cup?
The 20-year-old made his Laver Cup debut in Vancouver, helping Team World win a second consecutive title against Team Europe, 13-2.
Shelton played three matches, winning all of them. On day one, he opened play with a singles match against Arthur Fils, which the American won 7-6 (4), 6-1. The next day, he combined with Felix Auger-Aliassime to take on Hubert Hurkacz and Gael Monfils in doubles, with the pair winning 7-5, 6-4.
In the final match of the Laver Cup 2023, Shelton teamed up with Frances Tiafoe to deliver a killer blow to Team Europe, with the two defeating Hubert Hurkacz and Andrey Rublev in doubles.
Who are Ben Shelton’s parents?
Ben Shelton’s dad is former tennis pro Bryan Shelton, and his mother is Lisa.
Has Ben Shelton played UTS?
Ben Shelton has played UTS in Los Angeles. His nickname is “The Mountain”.
What are Ben Shelton’s ambitions?
Ben Shelton believes that he can be world No 1 and a Grand Slam champion. In the podcast ‘All on the Table’, he told friends Frances Tiafoe and Christopher Eubanks: “I have full belief in myself that I can win Grand Slams, that I can be number one in the world.”
Did Ben Shelton play college tennis?
Ben Shelton played college tennis for the University of Florida, where his dad was also his coach.
What is Ben Shelton’s career-high ranking?
Ben Shelton’s career-high ranking is world No 14, achieved first on April 8, 2024.
How old is Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton was born on October 9, 2002, making him 21 years of age at the time of writing.
How much prize money has Ben Shelton won?
As of April 8, 21, 2024, Ben Shelton has won more than $3.3 million in career prize money, according to the ATP website.
How many titles has Ben Shelton won?
Ben Shelton has won two ATP Tour singles titles. He defeated Aslan Karatsev in straight sets to win the Japan Open title in October 2023, before prevailing over Frances Tiafoe in three sets to claim the Houston Open title in April 2024.
