Ben Shelton Makes History at Australian Open
Saturday, January 25, 2025 | Men's Tennis
The former Florida standout became the youngest American in 22 years to advance to the semifinals of the Australian Open
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gators star Ben Shelton made waves at the 2025 Australian Open, becoming the youngest American to advance to the semifinals in 22 years in what was a career-best Grand Slam performance. Despite not advancing to the finals, the No. 21 seed solidified his place as one of the sport's rising stars.
Shelton's journey to the final four was nothing short of impressive as he recorded wins against Brandon Nakashima (7-6, 7-5, 7-5), Pablo Carreño Busta (6-3, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4), Lorenzo Musetti (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6), Gaël Monfils (7-6, 6-7, 7-6, 1-0) and Lorenzo Sonego (6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6).
In the semifinal, Shelton faced world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner. Despite a competitive start, Shelton fell 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.
During his time at Florida, Shelton was a standout on the men's tennis team, winning the 2022 NCAA singles championship and earning ITA National Player of the Year honors before turning pro.
With his Australian Open performance, Shelton has exhibited that his collegiate success was just the beginning. Gator Nation can look forward to more from the rising tennis star as he continues to make a name for himself on the ATP Tour.
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Shelton's journey to the final four was nothing short of impressive as he recorded wins against Brandon Nakashima (7-6, 7-5, 7-5), Pablo Carreño Busta (6-3, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4), Lorenzo Musetti (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6), Gaël Monfils (7-6, 6-7, 7-6, 1-0) and Lorenzo Sonego (6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6).
In the semifinal, Shelton faced world No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner. Despite a competitive start, Shelton fell 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.
During his time at Florida, Shelton was a standout on the men's tennis team, winning the 2022 NCAA singles championship and earning ITA National Player of the Year honors before turning pro.
With his Australian Open performance, Shelton has exhibited that his collegiate success was just the beginning. Gator Nation can look forward to more from the rising tennis star as he continues to make a name for himself on the ATP Tour.
FOLLOW THE GATORS
SOCIAL: X | Facebook | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
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