Ben Shelton joins Rafael Nadal in unique lefty membership

Ben Shelton collected two Main semi-finals at 22! The Atlanta native made a breakthrough at Majors in 2023, reaching the Australian Open quarter-final and shifting a step ahead on the US Open eight months later.

Ben made a powerful begin to the 2025 Main marketing campaign, notching his second semi-final in Melbourne. The younger gun has but to achieve the title conflict on the notable occasions following losses to Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.

Ben Shelton, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Nonetheless, Shelton achieved a notable milestone and joined legendary Rafael Nadal on the unique listing! Specifically, Ben is the second left-hander with the semi-final at each hard-court Majors since 1988 after the 24-time Main winner! 

Rafa achieved the duty in 2008, advancing into the final 4 in Melbourne and New York at 22. He turned the primary left-hander to perform that because the Australian Open embraced the onerous floor. 

Ben Shelton is so refreshing for tennis.

The swagger, the large recreation, the colorful celebrations, the infectious enthusiasm that transpires from the best way he approaches tennis.

So excited to have him within the combine for the subsequent decade or extra. pic.twitter.com/9LtMEBbFav

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 22, 2025

The 2023 US Open was Shelton’s second look in the principle draw of the house Main. He used a positive path and entered the final 16. A left-hander with a booming serve ousted world no. 14 Tommy Paul and reached the semi-final over world no. 10 Frances Tiafoe. 

The 20-year-old performed for his first Main remaining towards Novak Djokovic and suffered a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 loss. Novak bought damaged two instances and offered 5 return video games. The legend prevailed within the third set to seal the deal and finish the younger gun’s marketing campaign. 

Ben Shelton & Jannik Sinner, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

Ben repeated this consequence on the Australian Open a 12 months and a half later. The 22-year-old defeated Brandon Nakashima, Pablo Carreno Busta and Lorenzo Musetti for a spot within the final 16. The Atlanta native and Gael Monfils embraced a thriller earlier than the Frenchman retired. 

Thus, the younger American moved into the quarter-final and organized the conflict with Lorenzo Sonego. Ben prevailed 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in three hours and 50 minutes, notching his second Main semi-final and going through world no. 1 Jannik Sinner. 

Ben Shelton, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot

 

The defending champion scored a 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory, ending the rival’s marketing campaign within the final 4. The youthful participant delivered two breaks within the opener and served for it at 6-5. He squandered two set factors and dropped a tie break for an enormous setback. 

Jannik managed the tempo in units two and three, shifting excessive and remaining on the title course.