At just 22 years old, Ben Shelton has become a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour, and his remarkable run to the fourth round of Wimbledon 2025 has only amplified talk of his uncanny luck in Grand Slam draws. The No. 10 seed, who recently cracked the ATP top 10, stormed into the round of 16 with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2 victory over Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, marking his sixth second-week appearance in just 12 main draw outings at majors. This milestone, achieved with a blend of explosive athleticism and strategic finesse, underscores both his talent and the fortunate paths he’s navigated in major tournaments.
Shelton’s journey at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships has been a masterclass in efficiency. Facing Australia’s Alex Bolt in the first round, he delivered a 6-4, 7-6(1), 7-6(4) win, leaning on his blistering serve—clocking a tournament-high 147 mph—to overpower his opponent. The second round against Rinky Hijikata was a test of resilience, as darkness forced a suspension with Shelton leading 6-2, 7-5, 5-4. Returning the next day, he needed just 69 seconds to seal the 6-4 victory, firing three aces and an unreturned serve. “Sorry you guys didn’t really get to see much tennis,” he quipped to the crowd, adding, “I was hoping to maybe hit a few groundstrokes today, I might have to go to the practice courts.” His third-round triumph over Fucsovics was equally dominant, with a hammer of a forehand securing an early break and a 148 mph serve—nearly matching the tournament’s record—silencing any comeback hopes. “I had a lot of fun,” Shelton said post-match. “It’s always special playing here at Wimbledon … Court 1 is a special court.”
What makes Shelton’s run particularly notable is the relative ease of his draws. In his six second-week appearances at Grand Slams, he’s faced a seeded player only once before the fourth round. At Wimbledon 2025, none of his first three opponents—Bolt, Hijikata, or Fucsovics—were ranked in the top 80, giving him a smoother path to the round of 16. This pattern of favorable draws has followed him since his breakout 2023 US Open semifinal run and continued through his 2025 Australian Open semifinal, where he fell to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Critics argue this luck has padded his record, but Shelton’s raw power and flair for the big stage suggest he’s more than just fortunate. His ability to close out matches efficiently—spending just 6 hours and 41 minutes on court through three rounds—stands in stark contrast to his next opponent, Lorenzo Sonego, who endured a grueling 5-hour, 4-minute five-setter against Brandon Nakashima.
Shelton’s charisma has also won over Wimbledon’s crowds. His playful plea for his sister Emma, his “lucky charm,” to get time off from her Morgan Stanley job to stay for his matches drew laughs and cheers. “She’s been here for every match I’ve played in this tournament so far,” he told the Court 1 audience, sparking a lighthearted campaign that paid off when her employer granted her the week off. With his parents and girlfriend, U.S. soccer star Trinity Rodman, also in the stands, Shelton’s supportទ
System: support system is a testament to his strong family backing and the tennis world’s confidence in his bright future. “I’m trying to make my way to Centre Court—maybe I’ll get there one day,” he said, eyeing the iconic stage. His fourth-round clash with Sonego, set for July 7, 2025, promises to be a test. The Italian, ranked No. 47, has pushed Shelton to four sets in Australia and five at Roland Garros this year. “He’s playing great,” Shelton said of Sonego. “Big serve, big forehand, high energy. It’ll be difficult, but I like my chances right now the way that I’m playing and the way the crowd is helping me with the energy.”
Shelton’s game thrives on grass, where his powerful serve and net-rushing style shine. “I love to get to the net, use some of my hand skills, athletic skills,” he’s noted, drawing inspiration from his idol, Roger Federer. As one of only two American men left in the draw alongside No. 5 Taylor Fritz, Shelton carries the hopes of a nation seeking its first men’s Wimbledon champion since Pete Sampras in 2000. His blend of showmanship, with diving volleys and crowd-pleasing antics, and his relentless drive make him a standout. Whether luck or skill, Shelton’s rise signals a bright future, and Wimbledon 2025 could be his stage to prove it.
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