The Australian Open 2025 has been a stage for incredible talent and Ben Shelton‘s name keeps returning. At just 22 years old, Shelton has secured his second quarterfinal appearance after debuting in 2023. The young American was leading 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 1-0 against the French veteran Gael Monfils after two hours and 57 minutes of grueling play when Monfils was forced to retire from a back injury. If you haven’t kept up, here’s why the tennis world including former tennis star Andy Roddick is buzzing about the rising American.

With relentless athleticism and composure, Ben Shelton cemented his status as the youngest American to reach two Australian Open quarterfinals since Andy Roddick. For the 38-year-old Gael Monfils, the match was bittersweet. The Frenchman came to the match with an eight-match win streak, including a historic title run in Auckland, making him the oldest man since 1977 to win an ATP Tour title. He even upset world No. 4 Taylor Fritz in the second round in Melbourne. But seems like all this demanding schedule proved too much for him. After three tie-break sets and struggling with movements, Monfils retired early in the fourth set helping Shelton continue his remarkable run.

Before the match, Andy Roddick, one of America’s most celebrated Tennis stars, couldn’t help but share his amazement at Shelton’s progress. A few days ago On his YouTube channel “Served With Andy Roddick”, he was dissecting the tournament’s draws with Jon Wertheim, where he had picked Monfils to win the fourth-round match against Shelton. “I think I like Monfils in this one, but really, really impressed with what Shelton has worked on in the offseason,” Roddick said.

After Ben Shelton’s win, Roddick’s tone showed his admiration for the American player on his Quick Served podcast.  “He came on tour, and he was this raw athletic thing that you could tell, didn’t have many reps at the highest level. It’s been on-the-job training. Props to him for really committing and getting better over time,” he said. Reflecting on his initial prediction, Roddick admitted, “I got that one wrong; I kinda picked the other way.”

Andy Roddick also admired the 38-year-old French player’s hearts-winning personality saying, “People love watching him, people love playing against him, people love being in the locker room with him. He’s gonna be looked back at so fondly, and it’s almost as if he has gotten past what could have happened, what could’ve been, what kinda career could he have had because I think his personality has won out around tennis.” “I just like him and I think everyone likes him and Shelton was the beneficiary of Monfils going my back hurts, and pretty tired, 38,” he further added talking about Monfils’ age and taking an injury retirement during the match.

With the Australian Open 2025 fourth round now being done, Shelton will now turn his focus on the quarterfinals. He will next face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. This victory will advance him to the semis and take him to his career as world No. 13 in the ATP rankings. Despite the triumph, Shelton’s respect for Monfils remains evident and was clear with his tribute to Monfils during is post-match interview.

Ben Shelton’s Heartfelt Message to Gaël Monfils After Frenchman Retires Out of Australian Open 4th Round

Ben Shelton didn’t fail to show his love for Monfils during is on-court interview. “I’ve watched him since I was a little kid. I always say he has the greatest highlight tape of all time, and you guys saw some of that tonight. At 38 years old, I hope I’m still walking without crutches,” Shelton joked.

Shelton also went on and expressed his hope to emulate Monfils’ longevity and impact in the sport. “I hope to be able to create memories like that with my family watching on at that age. It’s really special and unheard of in any sport.” Meanwhile, Monfils remains a supportive figure. Though his own campaigns may have ended, he plans to cheer on his wife, Elina Svitolina, as she takes on Madison Keys in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

These post-match words to Monfils from Shelton clearly showed a testament to mutual respect and camaraderie. “To push me the way he did today and entertain everyone in New Zealand and Australia in the way he has the last couple of weeks is so impressive,” he said.

As the race to the finals heats up, it will be fun to watch how far Shelton’s journey can go. With a potential semi-final on the cards both fans and legends will be watching closely eager to see how far the American rising star goes in the tournament.