At Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court in London, American tennis star Ben Shelton staged an impressive comeback to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego on Monday, securing his place in the quarterfinals for the first time at this prestigious Grand Slam event. After dropping the opening set, Shelton rallied to win 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 7-5, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill in a match that electrified the crowd.
Sonego Takes Early Lead as Shelton Struggles Initially
The match began with Lorenzo Sonego dominating the early exchanges using precise placement and aggressive plays, breaking Shelton’s serve twice to take a commanding 4-1 lead in the first set. The Italian clinched the opening set 6-3, putting the young American on the back foot and testing his composure under pressure.
Shelton Revives Momentum With Sharpened Play and Crowd Support
Responding fiercely, Shelton elevated his game from the second set onward. Improved movement, deeper groundstrokes, and more effective serve placement allowed him to turn the tide, breaking Sonego twice to win the second set 6-1 in a mere 26 minutes. His energy visibly surged as he found his rhythm and began to command the match.
“I just told myself to stay present,” Shelton said courtside after the win. “First set didn’t go my way, but I found my rhythm, started hitting my spots, and the energy from the crowd really helped carry me through.” —Ben Shelton, Tennis Player
The Third Set Battles Intensify, Highlighting Mental Toughness
The third set grew into a fierce mental contest, with both players exchanging powerful shots and holding serve under pressure. However, Shelton’s calm and confidence shone brightest during the tiebreak, where he surged ahead 4-0 and captured the set 7-1. His thunderous forehands and strong net play overwhelmed Sonego, giving Shelton a crucial advantage heading into the final set.
Decisive Moments in the Final Set Decide the Match
The closing set delivered intense drama. Tied 5-5, Shelton capitalized on a rare lapse by Sonego by breaking serve and then closed out the match on his first match point with a stunning winner that drew roars from the Centre Court crowd. Shelton’s ability to perform under pressure was evident as he converted four of six break points compared to Sonego’s two of six.
In total, Shelton fired 47 winners compared to 29 from Sonego, while both players logged eight aces. Shelton’s kick serve increasingly troubled Sonego as the match progressed, and although Shelton committed 41 unforced errors, his fearless shot-making in key moments tipped the scales in his favor. While Shelton’s first-serve percentage was 62%, lower than Sonego’s 69%, his serve placement proved more effective, especially on second serves.
Next Steps for Shelton at Wimbledon
With this victory, Shelton advances to his first Wimbledon quarterfinal, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The next challenge may involve facing a highly ranked top seed, testing both his emerging talent and mental fortitude. Entering this stage with momentum and confidence, Shelton is poised to make a deep run on grass courts and continue his Grand Slam breakthroughs.
“I’m just loving every second out here. To play on Centre Court, to win in front of this crowd — it’s something I’ll never forget.” —Ben Shelton, Tennis Player
Ben Shelton’s Wimbledon quarterfinal breakthrough signals the arrival of a new contender on the world tennis stage, with his spirited performance leaving fans eager to follow his journey forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ben Shelton sponsored by Rolex?
A. In 2024, Ben Shelton was appointed as a Rolex Testimonee.
Q. Does Ben Shelton have a degree?
A. He studied finance at the University of Florida but later switched to an online business degree when he started his tennis career. This change allowed him to learn and engage with all parts of managing his tennis affairs. Because he makes the final decisions, understanding the business side is important to him.
Q. What degree does Ben Shelton have?
A. In the 2022–23 school year, Shelton went back to Florida for his junior year to finish his finance degree. However, he soon switched to online classes to continue his college education.