Ben Shelton has started the South American swing season on a high note. The young American tennis sensation recently secured a brilliant round-of-32 victory at the ongoing Mexican Open in Acapulco. In doing so, the 2023 US Open semifinalist has also matched his father’s 30-year-old feat on the men’s tour.

Ben Shelton isn’t the only one in his family to pick up a racket to play competitive tennis. Even his dad, Bryan Shelton, has graced the ATP circuit with his remarkable on-court performances during the 1990s. It now looks like the 21-year-old might be following in his footsteps, as he recently won his first-ever game at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel. Interestingly, it was 30 years ago when Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan, also won his first match at the ATP Tour 500 event in Acapulco.

Taking note of the same, the official Instagram page of Tennis TV hailed the father-son duo in their latest social media post. It stated, “Like Father, Like Son! 😊 @benshelton captures first win in Acapulco 30 years on from his dad, Bryan!” Ben turned emotional after matching his father’s feat as he reacted on his Instagram story. While resharing the post, the American said, “Been a lil minute,” and also added a crying emoji.

Bryan, who has donned the coach’s hat for his son, was also there in his player’s box as he came out on top in a two-hour and 45-minute clash.

In the opening match, the American tennis player made a phenomenal comeback after dropping the first set against Brit Dan Evans. After prevailing in a three-set thriller (2-6, 7-5, 7-6), the 21-year-old has now secured a place in the round of 16 at the Mexican Open. It was a special moment for the young ATP player, who gave his honest assessment of his opening-round victory.

Ben Shelton reacts to his first-ever win at the ATP Acapulco in a “really tricky matchup”

In his post-match press conference, the 21-year-old opened up about how it was a ‘tricky’ encounter for him as he had to work for every point against his British opponent. He said, “Definitely a really tricky matchup for me.” While calling his first-ever win in Acapulco a “big accomplishment,” Shelton also didn’t hold himself back from lauding Evans, whom he regards as a player whose game presents a lot of challenges.

READ MORE- ‘You Can Tell He’s Not a Poser’- Roger Federer Fans Set to Embrace Young Kid Carlos Alcaraz After His Graceful Act at Indian Wells

He stated, “Dan is a guy that I know well, we have a lot of banter in the locker room and [he is a] guy whose game presents a lot of challenges. So to be able to come out of this first match here in Acapulco with a win after losing the first set is a big accomplishment for me.” What do you think of the American tennis star matching his father’s feat at the Mexican Open? Let us know in the comments section.