Ben Shelton is gaining momentum in his tennis career after reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Currently ranked seventh on the ATP Tour, Shelton enters the upcoming US Open with growing confidence in his potential to win a Grand Slam title. Despite a challenging match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at last week’s Washington Open, he is now preparing for the Montreal Open where he aims to build on his progress with more wins.

At just 22 years old, Shelton’s rise has been impressive, with 2025 showing significant advancements in his game that suggest he could soon contend seriously for major titles. A former American player has recently praised the improvements Shelton has demonstrated on tour this year, highlighting new strengths in his playing style.

Jack Sock highlights Shelton’s evolving backhand as a key advantage

On the latest episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Jack Sock shared insights into Shelton’s development, particularly emphasizing one aspect of his game that has recently become a formidable weapon. Sock noted that while Shelton’s serve and forehand have always been dominant, his backhand appears to have developed into a powerful shot on its own.

Sock explained,

“Obviously, everyone knows that his serve and his forehand are all strengths of his. If that backhand is becoming a weapon, which it looks like it is, at times he can literally use it as a weapon and not have to run around it as much. If that is now becoming a strength, it is just going to make everything easier. It is going to make matches less physical for him if he is able to use that backhand side and dictate points.”

If he starts doing that, I think it is going to be pretty scary to be honest, especially on these courts, when you get on some faster, higher bouncing hard courts and he’s hitting the ball like that, I think he is going to be a very tough out every week this summer.

—Jack Sock, Former American Tennis Player

John Isner praises Shelton’s upward trajectory in tennis

John Isner, also a commentator on the podcast, echoed Sock’s positive assessment of Shelton’s progress. Isner expressed enjoyment in watching Shelton climb the rankings and establish himself firmly among the world’s top 10 players, noting the promise Shelton shows of reaching even higher levels.

Isner remarked,

I am really impressed with Ben. I know he didn’t play his best in the semis, but I think his trajectory is going in completely the right direction. He is obviously top 10, but he is inching closer in my mind to the ultimate goal.

—John Isner, Tennis Analyst

Shelton aims to build momentum at the Montreal Open before the US Open

Looking ahead, Shelton is scheduled to face Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Montreal Open. This tournament represents an important opportunity for Shelton to continue strengthening his game and gain confidence ahead of the US Open. His recent improvements, especially the enhancement of his backhand, could make him a serious contender on the faster hard courts where the US Open is played.

As Shelton refines his skills and gains experience against top competition, his potential as a major title threat grows. The coming months may well define his standing in the sport and could mark the beginning of a new era in American men’s tennis.