Shelton Makes Historic Run at Wimbledon

GAINESVILLE, FLA. – Exactly 30 years after former Florida head coach Bryan Shelton reached the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships, his son, former Florida star Ben Shelton found himself in the same position.
 
Despite falling in the fourth round to the world No. 1, Shelton made history as the first left-handed US player to make the fourth round since John McEnroe in 1992. Shelton was also a part of the group of seven Americans who made it to the fourth round at Wimbledon, the most since 2004.

Round 1

No. 14 Ben Shelton faced Mattia Bellucci on Court 18 in the first round of the Wimbledon Championships. Shelton totaled 19 aces in his five-set 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory against Bellucci.

Round 2

Shelton met Lloyd Harris in the second round of the Wimbledon Championships. Shelton defeated Harris 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(7) despite only hitting 14 aces compared to Harris’ 31. The win came with two tiebreakers in favor of Shelton. Shelton was strong at the net with 77 percent accuracy and 75 points, 33 more than Harris.

Round 3

Shelton continued his Wimbledon success after defeating 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Shelton won 81 percent of his first serve points and snagged 38 winners in a strong performance that solidified his fourth-round appearance.

Round 4

Shelton faced No. 1 Jannik Sinner in his first fourth round SW19 (Wimbledon) appearance. Neither opponents were strangers to each other, as Shelton defeated then ranked No. 4 Sinner last October at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

Sinner defeated Shelton 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (9), despite an impressive performance from Shelton. Shelton logged 15 aces and 27 winners, but Sinner showed why he is the world No.1 player. Sinner won 19 points on his second serve, hit seven aces and 28 winners. The Lexus ATP Head2Head series between the two now sits at 3-1 in favor of Sinner.