Andy Roddick, the American tennis legend and former world no. 1, has a special comment for his compatriot, Ben Shelton, who is currently dominating courts Down Under. A few hours earlier, the rising American star moved into the semi-finals of the Australian Open, and Roddick could not contain his excitement. He tweeted his heartfelt praise for the young prodigy.
Ben Shelton, a player who has never been outside the U.S. is now making headlines every day. With powerful strokes and remarkable agility, Shelton has taken his game to a whole new level. It is only normal that Andy Roddick would be proud of a player who is now one of the last eight standing in the Australian Open.
Andy Roddick wants to see the tide change for Ben Shelton
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Andy Roddick is proud that Shelton carries on his legacy. Ben is the second player since Roddick to make it to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, aged under 21. And that too, on his debut Grand Slam outside of the US! While Ben moves closer to the American dream, fans heartily wish him to progress past the semi-finals.
Andy tweeted about Ben, “I love Ben’s energy. Massive serve, big body, athleticism, and kid hustles.” He also said that 10 American players, including Ben, will move into the top 50 rankings after the tournament is over.
I love Ben’s energy. Massive serve, big body, athleticism, and kid hustles. Will be 10 US men in top 50 next week. Tide is turning, and it’s turning fast https://t.co/sep14FGbWJ
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 23, 2023
Shelton’s match in the fourth round was against his compatriot J.J. Wolf. The match wasn’t easy, as Shelton had to fight for every point and it stretched to five sets. The scoreboard at the end read 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 6-2 in favor of Ben who dominated the match.
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It is clear that Roddick is not just impressed by Ben’s performance but also is proud to see so many American players making it big at the highest level of men’s tennis.
American stars dominate the Australian Open 2023
Up next, Shelton faces another American player, Tommy Paul, who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in the fourth round to make it to the quarter-finals. While Ben is visibly excited for his match ahead, it goes without saying that his 25-year-old competitor will also be looking to secure his place in the next round.
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For both Ben and Tommy, it is their first time in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. While Sebastian Korda had also reached the quarter with his fellow Americans, this morning the Rod Laver Arena bid him a sad goodbye after he retired from the match mid-set, owing to a wrist injury. The American dream is now down to two players who face each other and no matter what, one will move into the semi-finals, so that is a huge relief for American tennis.
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