Learner Tien has continued his remarkable rise on the ATP Tour by defeating fellow American Ben Shelton at the Mallorca Championships. The 19-year-old secured a significant 6-4, 7-6(7-2) win over the top-seeded Shelton in the tournament’s round of 16, earning a spot in the quarter-finals and marking an important milestone in his career.
Earlier in the season, Tien impressed many, including Daniil Medvedev, after his notable victory over the Russian in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open. Despite falling in the fourth round in Melbourne and an early exit at the French Open against third seed Alexander Zverev, Tien has shown resilience and growth on various surfaces.
At Mallorca, Tien first overcame Justin Engel in the round of 32 before eliminating Shelton, climbing steadily in the tournament and attracting attention for his accomplishments this season.
Breaking Records: Youngest American to Defeat a Top 10 Player on Grass
Tien’s victory over Ben Shelton is of historic importance beyond the immediate win, as he now holds three top 10 wins during this season alone. Earlier in the year at Acapulco, Tien defeated Alexander Zverev, a top-ranked player, before exiting in the quarter-finals against Tomas Machac.
This recent success also established him as the youngest American ever to beat a top 10 player on grass courts, highlighting his rapid ascent in American tennis history and generating optimism about his future impact.
Concerns Grow Over Ben Shelton’s Form Ahead of Wimbledon
Ben Shelton entered the Mallorca match as the clear favorite, having recently broken into the ATP top 10 for the first time. Ranked higher than Tien, Shelton was expected to progress far in the Spanish ATP 250 event, especially as a top seed.
His inclusion alongside fellow Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul in the top 10 has been seen as a positive sign for the nation’s prospects at Wimbledon. Yet, Shelton’s current form casts some doubts, as his loss in Mallorca followed defeats at the Boss Open and Queen’s, marking three consecutive losses.
Furthermore, Shelton’s record as a top 10 player has now dropped to 0-2, raising concerns over how he will handle the pressures ahead of the prestigious Grand Slam.
The Weight of American Tennis Expectations as Wimbledon Approaches
With Wimbledon nearing, attention is turning to the American players expected to lead the charge, including Shelton, Fritz, and Paul. Former world number one Jimmy Connors has singled out Tommy Paul as a likely American contender to make a deep run at the All England Club, though all three face increasing pressure to deliver strong performances.
The wait for a new American men’s Grand Slam champion persists, with the last title claimed by Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open. As Tien’s breakthrough and Shelton’s struggles unfold, the twilight of this drought hangs heavily over the nation’s hopes.