Toni Nadal, the uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, has highlighted Ben Shelton as a potential obstacle to a Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner showdown at this year’s Wimbledon Championships. With the grass-court Grand Slam approaching, Toni Nadal emphasized Shelton’s dangerous playing style that could challenge both top seeds.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, currently ranked No. 2 and No. 1 in the ATP rankings, faced off in a marathon final at the 2025 French Open, lasting five hours and 29 minutes in their first Major final encounter. At Wimbledon 2025, they are the top two seeds in the men’s singles draw, positioning them to meet only in the final if they progress through their respective halves. Alcaraz enters as the two-time defending champion, raising expectations for their rematch.
Potential disruption to highly anticipated final at Wimbledon
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Toni Nadal acknowledged the widespread anticipation for a showdown between Alcaraz and Sinner but warned that the unpredictable nature of Wimbledon could produce surprises. He pointed out Ben Shelton’s powerful serve and aggressive gameplay as a serious threat capable of derailing either player’s run.
“Normally, a Sinner-Alcaraz final (would be expected), but we’re talking about a particular Slam, there are always some surprises,” Toni Nadal said.
“If you find a Shelton or another great hitter on the day, important heads can fall. Grass is a treacherous surface, where the match can quickly get out of hand,” he added.
Despite this warning, numbers suggest that Shelton has yet to translate his threatening style into consistent success against these two elite competitors.
Ben Shelton’s past records against Alcaraz and Sinner
Ben Shelton, 22, has struggled to dominate when facing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner despite his clear talent. Shelton has met Alcaraz three times, losing every match. Their latest contest occurred in the 2025 French Open fourth round, where Shelton managed to claim only one set before Alcaraz secured a 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
Against Jannik Sinner, Shelton holds a 1-5 win-loss record. His only triumph came during their initial ATP Tour-level meeting at the 2023 Shanghai Masters in the Round of 16. Since then, Shelton has failed to win a single set in five matches against the Italian, highlighting the challenge he faces in consistently overcoming top players like Sinner.
Implications for the Wimbledon tournament outlook
Toni Nadal’s comments underline the unpredictable nature of Wimbledon’s grass courts, where big hitters like Shelton can exploit the fast surface to pose significant threats to tournament favorites. While Alcaraz and Sinner remain favorites for a final clash given their form and rankings, the presence of Shelton suggests that top seeds cannot afford complacency.
The dynamics highlighted by Toni Nadal may shift how fans and analysts view the men’s singles draw, emphasizing how a single powerful player can upset expectations in a high-stakes Grand Slam. The upcoming matches and potential encounters involving Shelton will be closely watched as the Championships unfold.