It wasn’t a big day for American tennis in the men’s final of the Australian Open on Sunday, January 26 but, the ATP ranking chart didn’t reflect a similar vibe in the aftermath. Americans Ben Shelton, Alex Michelsen, Tommy Paul, and Taylor Fritz were some of the nation’s top contenders for the Melbourne title. Unfortunately, their quest came up short but some of those names benefitted in the rankings section.

2024 US Open runner-up Fritz was one of the title favorites at Melbourne Park until he suffered a dreadful fate in the third round. French Gael Monfils stunned him to register a comeback victory en route to setting up a clash against yet another American, Ben Shelton. The Frenchman, owing to increased struggles of aging, couldn’t keep up with the athleticism of young players like Shelton. He was forced to concede the showdown in the fourth set due to injury concerns, thus ending his AO run.

Meanwhile, Tommy Paul recorded an excellent showing at the hardcourt Major, and with a potential for making a deep run, the American sensation reached the quarterfinals. Sadly, that was the end of the road for him. He lost to finalist Alexander Zverev in a tough four-set battle and, on the other hand, Alex Michelsen’s challenge from the US camp also proved detrimental until the fourth round, where he met Aussie Alex de Minaur and lost to the home favorite in straight sets.

The only player to come an inch closer to the title decider was Shelton, who reached the last four only to get outhit by back-to-back AO champion Jannik Sinner. Regardless, their impressive outing in Melbourne had a positive impact on their ranking scores. All except World No. 4 Fritz. The latest ranking updates show us that Shelton moved up 6 spots (from No. 20 to No. 14), Michelsen recorded a similar increment with a 6 rank bump and, Paul moved up two spots (from No. 11 to No. 9).

Outside of American tennis, Monfils gained a noteworthy lead on the ATP charts by registering a massive 9-spot boost in rankings, thanks to his title finish at the ASB Classic. As for the incredible effort by young Shelton from the US men’s tennis camp in Melbourne, the American narrowly missed his chance to gain a jaw-dropping ranking point advantage on the tour had he reached the final. He later shared insight into his semifinal defeat.

Ben Shelton on losing to Jannik Sinner in SF: ‘Sometimes you miss your window’

American sensation Ben Shelton didn’t get many opportunities to crack Italian Jannik Sinner during their semifinal clash at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday, January 24. However, when he did come by an opportunity, he failed to seize it and that decision turned hostile on him as he lost the contest without claiming a set against the World No. 1.

During a presser at Melbourne Park, Shelton later disclosed details about his failed attempt to convert two break points while serving for the second set on 6-5. “Honestly, [I am] disappointed. “Going into the match, playing Jannik is a tough ask. For me, I’ve made my living on Tour so far serving out sets and being able to serve out sets. Having two set points on my serve, serving at 6-5, I feel like it was uncharacteristic for me not to come through and win that.”

“You’re playing the No. 1 player in the world, the chances, the windows are always small. Sometimes you miss your window, and the guy steps up his level, starts making a lot more first serves, playing better. The break chances don’t come as often,” he added. For those unaware, Shelton aimed to become the youngest American man since Andy Roddick at SW19 in 2004 to reach the final of a Grand Slam.

The 2022 NCAA champion will next take to the court after organizing his calendar touring commitments and will look to avoid another instance of enduring a heartbreaking defeat.