Shelton Powers into Wimbledon Round of 16, Eyes Centre Court
Rising American star Ben Shelton continues his impressive run at Wimbledon, reaching the round of 16 for the second consecutive year after a straight-sets victory over Marton Fucsovich.
Just a day after a remarkably swift second-round match, Ben Shelton demonstrated continued efficiency on Saturday, dispatching Fucsovich to advance to the fourth round at the All England Club. The 22-year-old’s performance solidifies his position as a leading force in men’s tennis and marks a significant milestone in his young career.
A New Generation of American Tennis
At 22, Shelton is making history as the youngest American man to reach three major round-of-16 appearances in a single year since Andy Roddick achieved the same feat in 2004. This accomplishment underscores a potential shift in American men’s tennis, signaling the arrival of a new generation of talent. Shelton’s recent success – including a semifinal run at the Australian Open and a fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros – demonstrates his versatility across different court surfaces.
He also became the fourth American man in the last 20 years to win his first three Wimbledon matches in straight sets, joining Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz (both in 2022) and Roddick (in 2007) in this exclusive club.
American Contingent Remains Strong
Shelton and Fritz represent the last remaining American men in the Wimbledon draw, positioned on opposite sides, setting the stage for a potential showdown later in the tournament. Fritz is scheduled to face Australia’s Jordan Thompson on Sunday, vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.
“I had a lot of fun,” Shelton said of his 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-2 win, which concluded in 2 hours. “It’s always special playing here at Wimbledon… Court 1 is a special court.” He added with ambition, “I’m trying to make my way to Centre Court – maybe I’ll get there one day.”
Family Support and a Viral Moment
Shelton’s on-court interview revealed the strong support system fueling his success. His sister, Emma, and girlfriend, U.S. national soccer team star Trinity Rodman, were present in the crowd. “I’ve been playing well this week. It’s not just been me here. I have a great team. My parents are here. My girlfriend’s here. Also, my sister’s here. She’s been here for every match that I’ve played this tournament so far. She’s been the lucky charm,” Shelton shared.
However, a poignant moment unfolded when Shelton revealed his sister’s work commitments at Morgan Stanley would require her return to the U.S. on Monday. This announcement was met with boos from the audience, prompting Shelton to playfully appeal for assistance. “If any of you all have some (connections) and get her a couple extra days off so she can (stay and) we can keep this rolling, that’d be great.”
Hours later, Emma posted a video on Instagram confirming her flight had been cancelled, accompanied by a caption reading “thank you MS” with three blue heart emojis.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7K-zXqOq-w/
Looking Ahead: A Challenging Matchup
Through three matches at the All England Club, Shelton has spent 6 hours and 41 minutes on court. His next opponent, Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, presents a formidable challenge, having played 5 hours and 4 minutes on Saturday alone, totaling 9 hours and 49 minutes for the tournament. Shelton and Sonego previously faced each other at the French Open, with the American emerging victorious in a five-set thriller.
The upcoming match promises to be a test of endurance and skill, as Shelton continues his pursuit of a deep run at Wimbledon.
ESPN Research and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
