
Ben Shelton: When Does He Play Again | How Old Is He | vs Fritz
Ben Shelton is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting names in men’s tennis. With his powerful left-handed serve and youthful energy, he continues to captivate tennis fans around the world. Questions like “When does Ben Shelton play again?”, “How old is he?”, and “What’s his record vs Fritz?” are becoming increasingly common. This article covers all the answers—and more—about America’s rising tennis star.
Who Is Ben Shelton?
Ben Shelton is an American tennis player whose career trajectory has been meteoric. He is the son of former professional and NCAA coach Bryan Shelton, which helped shape his early development in the sport. Rather than immediately pursuing a professional career, Ben chose to play college tennis at the University of Florida.
There, he won the 2021 NCAA Singles Championship, proving he was ready for the next step. In 2022, he officially turned professional and has since made waves on the ATP Tour with standout performances and a charismatic personality.
How Old Is Ben Shelton?
As of August 2025, Ben Shelton is 22 years old. He was born on October 9, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia.
At such a young age, he has already reached several major career milestones. For instance, he reached the US Open semi-finals in 2023, a significant feat for a player only one year into his professional journey.
Moreover, Shelton’s age indicates he has ample time to grow, refine his game, and establish himself among tennis’s elite.
When Does Ben Shelton Play Again?
Fans eagerly awaiting his return to the court can look forward to the 2025 Cincinnati Masters, where he is expected to participate in mid-August. Following that, he will likely appear at the 2025 US Open, starting in late August.
Additionally, he is scheduled to play in events such as:
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Laver Cup – September 2025
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Shanghai Masters – October 2025
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Paris Masters – November 2025
For real-time updates, it’s advisable to follow Shelton’s official social media or check platforms like Flashscore, ATP Tour, and Tennis TV.
Ben Shelton vs Taylor Fritz: A Rising Rivalry
The battle between Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz is one of the most exciting new rivalries in American tennis. On one side, Shelton represents the new generation with explosive athleticism. On the other, Fritz brings experience and tactical finesse.
Head-to-Head Record
Currently, Taylor Fritz leads the head-to-head 2–1, although each match has been highly competitive.
2023 Cincinnati Masters
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Winner: Taylor Fritz
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Score: 6-3, 6-4
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Summary: Fritz dominated with consistency from the baseline, while Shelton struggled with unforced errors.
2024 Miami Open
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Winner: Ben Shelton
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Score: 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
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Summary: Shelton turned the match around by using aggressive net approaches and strategic serves.
2025 Indian Wells
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Winner: Taylor Fritz
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Score: 7-6(4), 6-4
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Summary: A tightly contested match where Fritz edged out Shelton with better composure under pressure.
Clearly, their rivalry is just getting started—and tennis fans are loving it.
Comparing Styles: Shelton vs Fritz
Ben Shelton’s Playing Style
Ben Shelton is known for his bold, attacking approach. His most lethal weapon is his left-handed serve, often clocked above 135 mph, which earns him plenty of free points. He enjoys approaching the net, which is a refreshing strategy in today’s baseline-dominated game.
Additionally, Shelton excels on fast hard courts and thrives when dictating play. His court movement, aided by exceptional footwork, allows him to cover ground quickly and turn defense into offense.
Taylor Fritz’s Playing Style
Fritz, in contrast, adopts a more traditional baseline game. His two-handed backhand and powerful forehand create consistent pressure. While not as flashy as Shelton, Fritz is methodical, smart, and difficult to break down.
Moreover, Fritz’s experience helps him navigate high-pressure points, which has given him the edge in most of their matches.
Career Achievements: Ben Shelton So Far
Despite turning pro only in 2022, Shelton has accumulated a solid list of accomplishments:
Rankings and Titles
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ATP Singles Ranking: No. 13 (as of August 2025)
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Career-High Ranking: No. 11
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ATP Titles: 2
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Grand Slam Best: Semi-finals (US Open 2023)
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Davis Cup: Member of Team USA
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Laver Cup: Represented Team World in 2024
Furthermore, he has received numerous accolades for his sportsmanship and energy on the court.
Ben Shelton’s Career Timeline
Year | Milestone |
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2021 | Wins NCAA Singles Title at University of Florida |
2022 | Turns professional |
2023 | Reaches US Open semi-finals |
2024 | Wins first ATP title |
2025 | Breaks into ATP Top 15 |
Each year has marked a significant leap forward, signaling a long and successful future ahead.
Off the Court: Ben Shelton’s Personality
What sets Shelton apart is not just his tennis, but also his magnetic presence off the court. He frequently engages with fans on Instagram and Twitter/X, shares behind-the-scenes moments, and advocates for youth participation in sports.
Additionally, he’s been involved in several charity matches and youth tennis clinics. His relatable demeanor makes him especially popular among younger audiences.
What’s Next for Shelton?
Ben Shelton’s immediate goals include:
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Cracking the Top 10
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Winning his first ATP 1000 title
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Reaching a Grand Slam final
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Qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin
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Becoming the No. 1 American tennis player
Moreover, Shelton is also eyeing the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he hopes to represent the USA on home soil.
What the Fans Are Saying
Fans are increasingly vocal about their admiration for Shelton:
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“The way he carries himself—so humble and energetic. Love watching him play!”
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“That serve is next level. A future Grand Slam champion for sure.”
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“Fritz vs Shelton is always a thriller. Can’t wait for the next chapter.”
Clearly, the Shelton phenomenon is gaining momentum with each passing tournament.
Final Thoughts
Ben Shelton is not just the future of American tennis—he’s already becoming its present. His powerful serve, magnetic energy, and constant growth have made him a favorite among both fans and analysts.
As for his rivalry with Taylor Fritz, it’s poised to define the next era of U.S. men’s tennis. Their contrasting styles and competitive spirit make each matchup a can’t-miss spectacle.
With the 2025 Cincinnati Masters and US Open on the horizon, all eyes will be on Shelton. So, if you’re wondering when Ben Shelton plays again, mark your calendar for mid to late August 2025.
Quick FAQs
When does Ben Shelton play next?
He is expected to play at the Cincinnati Masters (mid-August 2025), followed by the US Open.
How old is Ben Shelton?
He is currently 22 years old, born on October 9, 2002.
What is the head-to-head between Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz?
Taylor Fritz leads the rivalry 2–1, with competitive matches in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Where can I follow Ben Shelton’s match updates?
Follow @benshelton on Instagram or check ATP Tour and Flashscore for match schedules and live scores.
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