Ben Shelton’s rise in professional tennis has been swift and striking. Just three years into his career, the 23-year-old American has qualified for the ATP Finals for the first time, joining an elite field that includes Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev. Shelton secured his spot after reaching the quarterfinals of the Rolex Paris Masters, capping off a season that featured a Masters 1000 title in Toronto, a semifinal run at the Australian Open, and a quarterfinal showing at Wimbledon.
“If you told me a few years ago where I’d be today, I wouldn’t believe you,” Shelton said. “It’s been a fast progression for me, and I’m certainly happy with where I’m at.”
Facing Zverev and chasing Fritz
Shelton’s debut match in Turin pits him against Alexander Zverev, the No. 3 seed and two-time ATP Finals champion. Zverev holds a 4–0 record in their head-to-head meetings, but Shelton enters with confidence and momentum. Ranked No. 5 in the live standings, he holds a narrow 35-point lead over fellow American Taylor Fritz. If Shelton matches or exceeds Fritz’s performance in Turin, he will finish the year as the top-ranked American — a feat not achieved by a debutant since James Blake in 2006.
Learning through adversity
Shelton’s season wasn’t without setbacks. A shoulder injury during the US Open forced him to reassess his training and recovery routines. “The injury made me more aware of what I need to do to prevent those types of injuries,” he explained. “To be here at the year-end Finals, still healthy at the end of the season — that’s the most important thing.”
His maturity and adaptability have drawn praise across the tour. Shelton’s ability to combine explosive athleticism with thoughtful preparation has made him a fan favorite and a serious contender.
Thriving under the lights
Turin’s Inalpi Arena offers one of the most electric atmospheres in tennis, and Shelton is embracing the energy. “It’s crazy,” he said. “I can’t believe how many people are here and how much they love tennis. There’s so much passion for the sport here.”
Shelton feeds off high-pressure environments, and his performances on big stages reflect that. From his emotional run in Melbourne to his dominant showing in Canada, he’s proven that he belongs among the sport’s elite. “It’s the best atmosphere we have all year at a tournament,” he added. “It’s exciting to be a part of this for the first time and experience it.”
Ben Shelton in 2025
Now ranked no.6 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 31st of October when he lost to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-3 in the quarter in Paris (draw).
This year Shelton achieved a compiled 40-21 win-loss record. This year, the American won 1 tournament in Toronto. The American was the runner-up in Munich.