Ben Shelton has emerged as a leading figure in American men’s tennis, reaching the semi-finals of the US Open after a season marked by both promise and inconsistency. The 23-year-old American, who began the year with early exits in several major tournaments, has shown significant improvement in recent months, highlighted by a successful title defense at the Canadian Open in Montreal and a notable victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open quarter-finals.
Shelton’s rise has been closely followed since he burst onto the scene in 2023, when he reached the US Open semi-finals for the first time. At that stage, he was seen as a confident, aggressive young player with a strong serve and athleticism but also a tendency toward self-sabotage under pressure. His playing style—marked by an aggressively fast serve that can reach speeds of up to 146 mph and athleticism honed from previous experience as a quarterback and baseball pitcher—has made him a formidable competitor.
Former professional player Bryan Shelton, Ben’s father and current coach, has acknowledged the challenges his son faces in managing the mental and tactical demands of elite-level competition. While Ben has collected three titles this year, his performance in Grand Slam events has been uneven, with early departures at the French Open and Wimbledon standing in contrast to his recent strong showings. Bryan Shelton noted that Ben’s aggressive style sometimes leads him to overstep, resulting in underperformance in high-stakes matches.
Shelton’s personal life has also attracted attention, enhancing his profile within and beyond tennis circles. Since early 2025, he has been publicly linked to USA soccer star Trinity Rodman, daughter of former NBA player Dennis Rodman. The couple’s relationship has garnered media interest, and Rodman is often seen supporting Shelton at tournaments when his schedule permits.
Off the court, Shelton is investing in his professional brand, reportedly preparing to sign a significant endorsement deal with New Balance, following a previous partnership with Roger Federer’s ON brand. He also employs traditional recovery methods such as Chinese cupping therapy to maintain his conditioning during the demanding tennis season.
Shelton’s semi-final opponent at the US Open is fellow American Frances Tiafoe, with their match marking another chapter in a developing rivalry. The two have previously faced each other in high-profile encounters in 2023 and 2024. Their contest carries historical significance as well: the winner will become the first Black man to reach the US Open men’s final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, deepening the cultural importance of the match beyond the sport itself.
As Shelton prepares to face Tiafoe, momentum is on his side following his thrilling victory over Alcaraz. Both players seek to end a 23-year drought for American men at Grand Slam tournaments, making their semi-final clash a pivotal moment for the future of U.S. tennis.
The men’s semi-final schedule features Alexander Zverev facing Karen Khachanov earlier in the evening, followed by the midnight showdown between Tiafoe and Shelton, broadcast live on Sky Sports.