In the midst of a blazing run at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, American tennis sensation Ben Shelton took a moment to reflect on the sporting icon who shaped his childhood dreams: golf legend Tiger Woods. The 22-year-old, ranked world No. 10, shared a heartfelt anecdote during a post-match press conference on July 25, 2025, revealing not only his admiration for the $800 million-worth superstar but also a humorous connection—his father, Bryan Shelton, has often been mistaken for Woods due to their striking resemblance. “My dad has been mistaken for Tiger Woods,” Shelton said with a grin, sparking laughter as he recounted how Woods’ fierce competitiveness and trailblazing presence inspired him growing up.
Shelton, fresh off a commanding victory over Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in Washington, D.C., was in high spirits after advancing to the quarterfinals, where he was set to face local favorite Frances Tiafoe. The former University of Florida star, known for his 150-mph serves and infectious energy, drew parallels between his own journey and Woods’ transformative impact on golf. “The way he competed, the tenacity, intensity, in a sport that was more country club and not used to play in the way that he brought it,” Shelton said, admiring how Woods revolutionized a traditionally staid sport. “It was really cool for me to watch, someone I looked up to. Just, you know, one of the most iconic athletes of all times.” For Shelton, Woods’ ability to dominate with unrelenting focus was a blueprint for his own approach on the tennis court, where he channels a similar intensity, often punctuated by his signature “Yeah!” celebrations.
The connection to Woods runs deeper than fandom. Shelton’s father, Bryan, a former ATP pro ranked as high as No. 55 and longtime college coach, bears such a resemblance to Woods that strangers have approached him, mistaking him for the 15-time major champion. “My dad kind of looks like him,” Shelton chuckled, noting that the mix-up has happened “a few times.” This personal tie amplified Woods’ influence on young Ben, who grew up in Atlanta and Gainesville, Florida, watching the golf icon redefine excellence. Woods, now 49, has left an indelible mark, with 82 PGA Tour wins, tied for the all-time record, and a career Grand Slam achieved three times. His relentless drive, especially during the “Tiger Slam” of 2000-2001 when he held all four major titles simultaneously, captivated a young Shelton, who was just a toddler during Woods’ peak but later devoured highlight reels.
Shelton’s admiration wasn’t limited to Woods. In the same press conference, he cited NFL star Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ legendary wide receiver, as another childhood idol. “His nickname was Megatron—he played for the Detroit Lions: six foot five, 240, ran a 4.3 40-yard dash, kind of a freak athlete,” Shelton enthused, recalling how Johnson, a Georgia Tech alum, signed a football for him at his seventh birthday when Bryan was coaching at the university. The encounter left a lasting impression, with Shelton treasuring the autographed ball. These influences—Woods’ mental fortitude and Johnson’s athletic prowess—shaped Shelton’s own game, blending power with charisma. His 126-mph average first serve and aggressive net play echo the explosive athleticism he admired in both stars.
At the Citi DC Open, Shelton’s performance reflected the tenacity he so admired in Woods. After a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon, where he clashed with umpire Nacho Forcadell over a late-match suspension, Shelton arrived in D.C. with momentum. His first-round win over compatriot Mackenzie McDonald and the Diallo victory showcased his growth since turning pro in 2022. With two ATP titles, including the 2024 Houston Open, and career-best major semifinals at the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open, Shelton is carving his own path. “I like to hear about how greatness comes along, how people make it happen,” he told Vogue earlier in 2025, revealing his obsession with studying icons like Woods to fuel his ascent.
The Woods connection also resonates with Shelton’s family legacy. Bryan, who coached Ben to NCAA glory at Florida, instilled a competitive edge tempered by humility, much like Woods’ own father, Earl, did for him. “My dad does a great job balancing the coach hat and the dad hat,” Shelton said, crediting Bryan’s guidance for his No. 8 career-high ranking in July 2025. As he prepares for a blockbuster clash with Tiafoe, Shelton carries the lessons of his idols—Woods’ intensity, Johnson’s athleticism—into a career that’s electrifying tennis. With fans chanting his name and a potential US Open title in sight, Shelton’s journey proves that, like Woods, he’s ready to redefine his sport with every thunderous serve.
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