Who is Ben Shelton, the US college tennis star who reaches the Australian Open 4th round?
As reported by The Sportning News, the son of former tennis pro Bryan Shelton, the Atlanta-born youngster began playing tennis regularly at the age of 12. Shelton has had a meteoric rise since his decision to turn pro in mid-2022. He remained in the United States for his junior career before committing himself to the University of Florida tennis program.
Coached by his father, Shelton helped the Gators secure their first National Championship in 2021 before winning the NCAA Singles Championship in 2022.
After a jaw-dropping run at the Cincinnati Masters, where he defeated world No. 5 Casper Ruud, he decided to turn pro and complete his degree online. Shelton made his debut at the US Open, where he lost in the first round. The 22-year-old is ranked number 89 in the ATP ranking.
Shelton’s big serve is undoubtedly his strongest weapon. In his match against Popyrin, the American recorded an average first serve speed of 200.1 km/h, with a top speed of 223 km/h. Additionally, his strength is evidenced in his powerful groundstrokes, which often push his opponents deep into the field.
He has also demonstrated his ability to keep his composure in important moments, winning key points and tiebreaks. Shelton played in four tiebreaks at the 2023 Australian Open, emerging victorious in all of them.
About University of Florida
University of Florida is one of the most famous and most prestigious universities in the United States. Founded in 1853, it is located in Gainesville, Florida. The university has approximately 49,680 full-time students, and employs approximately 4,550 professors and other employees. It is part of the State University System of Florida, a group of educational and scientific research institutions operated by the state of Florida.
The University of Florida began in 1853 when East Florida Seminary, one of four predecessor institutions, was founded in Ocala, Marion County. GPA average and SAT score are 4.15 and 1,305, respectively. UF currently ranks first in the Florida university system in student selectivity, graduation rates, and dropout rates.
The Florida Gators are part of the NCAA Division I, and are affiliated with the powerful SEC Conference. The main sports are football and basketball. The American football team, active since 1906, is particularly famous, being one of the most successful in the nation.
They have captured three national titles (1996, 2006, 2008), 8 prestigious SEC Conference titles and are the most game-winning team in college football in all of the United States since 1990. Their home field, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, familiarly called The Swamp, for the scorching climate of central Florida, it seats 88,000 spectators. The well-known energy drink Gatorade was born here in 1965 and took its name and logo colors from the Gators.
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