Ben Shelton, a promising young tennis star, has shared insights into his motivations and inspirations following his remarkable journey to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon. After overcoming the challenge posed by Lorenzo Sonego in an intense four-set match, Shelton has established himself as a player to watch. At just 22 years old, he has made history by becoming the youngest American man to reach the last eight at Wimbledon since the legendary Andy Roddick achieved this feat at the age of 21 in 2004.
Roddick, a former World No. 1, is a significant figure in American tennis history, having reached the Wimbledon finals in both 2004 and 2005, only to face defeat against the iconic Roger Federer on both occasions. Shelton expressed his admiration for Roddick, stating, “It’s pretty cool to be mentioned in the same sentence as him.” He acknowledged Roddick’s remarkable achievements, noting, “Definitely look up to him and think very highly of him. Seems like everything that I’ve done, it’s the first to be done since him. He’s got me beat pretty much in every category.” This sense of honoring the past while carving his own path serves as a motivational cornerstone for Shelton.
Roddick’s playing style mirrors some aspects of Shelton’s game. Both players are renowned for their powerful serves and forehands. Shelton revealed that Roddick has been a source of advice for him throughout his career, providing guidance indirectly through Shelton’s father and Dean Goldfine, his first coach on tour. He described Roddick as a “physical beast” with exceptional footwork and a “massive forehand.” Shelton is keen on drawing inspiration from Roddick’s experiences in pursuit of achieving his own goals in the sport he loves.
While Shelton’s strengths are clearly visible in his serve and groundstrokes, he openly acknowledged one area where he aims to improve: his return game. He stated, “I’ve been returning really well. It’s something that I’m really happy with my progression.” However, he is striving to elevate his return game to an elite level, aspiring to rank among the best returners in the world. “I’m on my way. I’m certainly not there yet, but I’m much better than I was when I started out on tour,” he remarked. Shelton emphasized the importance of maintaining a high first-serve percentage and hitting his desired spots, aiming to keep every return in play.
At Wimbledon, Shelton enjoys the support of a close-knit group of family and friends, including his parents and his girlfriend, professional soccer player Trinity Rodman, alongside his sister, Emma. Having his loved ones close has added to the enjoyment of the experience, as they share both on-court victories and off-court moments. Shelton remarked, “It’s just been a lot of fun… Those tend to be the places I play the best.” This strong familial support has been essential, particularly during a tournament of this magnitude, allowing him to channel positive energy on and off the court.
This year’s Wimbledon marks a significant milestone for Shelton as he navigates deeper into the tournament than he has ever been before. He conveyed the sweetness of sharing the moment with his family, understanding the importance of time spent together as not all tournaments allow such opportunities. “This has been really cool for me and special to be as deep as I’ve ever been at Wimbledon,” he said, emphasizing the unique bond that has strengthened through shared experiences within the competitive arena.
Shelton’s journey thus far underscores not only his talent but also his understanding of the sport’s rich history and the significance of mentorship. With the Wimbledon singles finals and daily highlights available on platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+, the world is eager to follow this exceptional athlete’s growth.
