Ben Shelton has extended his impressive form into the Cincinnati Open, reaching the third round after a strong showing that highlights Ben Shelton remarkable physicality tennis. The American star, seeded fifth at this ATP Masters 1000 event, advanced following a victory over Camilo Ugo Carabelli and will next face Roberto Bautista Agut.
Shelton, who recently captured the Canadian Open title, is showcasing his peak condition just ahead of the US Open, where expectations are high for his continued ascent.
Shelton’s Physical Strength Gains Praise from Former Player
Former professional Steve Johnson has expressed excitement about Shelton’s rapid improvement, especially noting the player’s extraordinary athleticism. Speaking on the Nothing Major Show, Johnson remarked on Shelton’s evolving skill set and resilience on the court.
He said,
“It is remarkable. He is insane. His growth on the tennis court! You see him every few months and there is another piece of his game which is getting better or there is a hole that is getting shorter.”
—Steve Johnson, former player
Johnson highlighted how Shelton’s backhand, once considered a potential weakness, has significantly improved over time. Beyond his technique, Johnson emphasized Shelton’s unmatched physicality, despite the presence of other well-conditioned players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic.
Speaking further, Johnson noted,
“He is an athlete. His physicality I want to say is unmatched on Tour. I know [Jannik] Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz and Novak [Djokovic] are in incredible shape, but just walking around and seeing him at the courts these weeks here in Cincinnati. He is built like a truck! I have not seen him for a year or so, since we have been in the locker room. But he is physically insane.”
—Steve Johnson, former player
This superior physical condition translates into Shelton’s consistency and endurance during tough matches, as Johnson pointed out. Shelton’s ability to remain clutch in decisive moments has set him apart.
Johnson added,
“If you don’t have that, you can’t win. Some of the best of all time have that gene and he has that. He is still young and he is still going to get better and better and better. He is not even close to his peak of his tennis yet.”
—Steve Johnson, former player
ATP Titles and Rising Career of Ben Shelton
At only 22 years old, Shelton has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor on the ATP Tour, already claiming three titles and contesting two finals in his relatively short career. His victory at the Canadian Open demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, including a tense final against Karen Khachanov that ended 6-7(5-7), 6-4, 7-6(7-3).
This momentum positions Shelton well for his upcoming challenge at the US Open, where the spotlight intensifies on players’ skill and mental fortitude. Shelton’s past performances at Grand Slam events provide optimism for a deep run this year—he reached the semifinals at the 2023 US Open and showed strong progress in the earlier majors this season.
His 2024 Grand Slam performances include a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open, followed by the fourth round at the French Open and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. This steady advancement highlights his growing maturity and consistency on the biggest stages.
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations at the US Open
With Shelton’s ranking now at a career-high sixth in the world, his physical prowess, and mental toughness will be crucial as he faces top contenders in the upcoming US Open. His recent performances convey readiness and confidence, particularly after surviving back-to-back tight matches in Cincinnati, including two wins in the third set.
As Shelton continues to improve, experts and fans alike anticipate that his physicality and clutch play will make him not only a threat but potentially one of the leading challengers on the Tour. His journey so far illustrates a blend of raw power and strategic growth that marks him as a rising star with the potential to reshape the competitive landscape.