American tennis star Ben Shelton has entered the top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time in his professional career, marking a major milestone in his rapid rise within the sport. This achievement has drawn praise from his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, and his sister Emma Shelton, who both celebrated his breakthrough victory.
Shelton is now one of three Americans ranked in the ATP’s top 10, joining Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, a feat last achieved by American players Andre Agassi, James Blake, and Andy Roddick in April 2006. Shelton’s progress reflects his strong performances throughout the season and highlights his growing influence on the international tennis stage.
Coming from a tennis family, Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, who reached a career-high of World No. 55, continues to support his son in his role as head coach, guiding his journey through the professional ranks.
Trinity Rodman, daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, honored Shelton on social media, sharing the news with enthusiasm. She wrote on Instagram,
“Will never be over this, proud of u.”
Emma Shelton also took to Instagram to express her excitement about her brother’s success, using joyful emoticons to celebrate his accomplishment.
Shelton Reflects on Reaching the Top 10 in ATP Rankings
Ben Shelton shared his feelings during an on-court interview at the Stuttgart Open on June 13, revealing both his excitement and gratitude for reaching this milestone. Just three years earlier, he had broken into the top 500 players worldwide, showing how quickly his career has accelerated since then.
“I’m gonna go look and worry about the end of this tournament first. I’ve got to see it first. So if that is true, that’s really cool, a big milestone in tennis,”
—Ben Shelton, Tennis Star
Shelton is now focusing on the upcoming grass court season and is optimistic about continuing his ascent in the rankings. He is scheduled to compete against Arthur Rinderknech at the Queen’s Club Championships on June 17, aiming to build on his recent successes and make an even greater impact.
This milestone is significant not just for Shelton personally but also for American tennis, as having three players in the top 10 reflects the nation’s resurgence in the sport. His rise signals exciting times ahead as he looks to establish himself further among the world’s elite players during this crucial part of the season.