Ben Shelton Leaves Young Fan in ‘Disbelief’ with Heartwarming Gesture Ahead of Dallas Open

Ben Shelton has only been on the ATP Tour for three years, but his impact is undeniable. With his lightning-fast serves, fearless gameplay, and charismatic presence, the left-handed star has captured the hearts of tennis fans—especially the younger generation. At the Dallas Open, Shelton gave his young supporters a memory to cherish.

As the Australian Open semi-finalist wrapped up a practice session ahead of his match, he was swarmed by eager young fans. The ATP Tour shared an adorable post on Instagram of this scene. Phones in hand, the kids scrambled to get a selfie with the American star. One fan, overwhelmed with excitement, shared his reaction. The fanboy said, “I was so excited. I am so in disbelief. He’s me and my brother’s favorite player.”

Moments like these highlight Ben Shelton’s growing popularity. At just 22, he has already become an inspiration for the next generation of players. Shelton is currently in Dallas, Texas, preparing for his next tournament. The current World No. 14 will take on Australian tennis player Aleksandar Vukic in the first round of the Dallas Open on February 4. Last year, Shelton put on a strong performance at the ATP 500 event, reaching the semifinals before falling to fellow American Tommy Paul. This time, he’ll be looking to go even further.

If there’s one stage Shelton is familiar with, it’s the semifinals. His big breakthrough came at the 2023 US Open, where he made a dream run to the final four before being stopped by all-time great Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

History repeated itself at the 2025 Australian Open. Shelton once again made it to the semis, only to fall short against eventual champion Jannik Sinner. While the Grand Slam trophy remains just out of reach, his back-to-back deep runs prove he’s a rising force in men’s tennis.

As the GenZ player makes his way through the ATP circuit, he also has some important advice for the younger generation. What is it?

Ben Shelton dishes out advice for young and upcoming players

Ben Shelton’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s also about preparation and practice. His roots in college tennis have played a huge role in shaping his professional career. Before turning pro in 2022, Shelton honed his skills in the NCAA circuit. Even now, he continues to emphasize the importance of the college path for young players who are looking to make their mark.

In an interview with Tennis Magazin, a German-based publication, last year, the American tennis starlet shared his thoughts on how college tennis helped him transition to the ATP Tour.

He said, “College tennis taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of team dynamics. Competing at a high level in college sharpened my skills and prepared me mentally and physically for the demands of the ATP Tour. These days, I would advise most kids who are thinking about turning pro to go to college. It’s a great path.”

Ben Shelton’s words reflect his journey. He stepped onto the courts of college tennis in 202o, under the guidance of his father Bryan Shelton. The 22-year-old tennis player was a finance major who played for the Florida Gators and has a 28-5 win-loss record. His time in college shaped his mindset, prepared him for high-pressure moments, and ultimately set him on the path to becoming a top-20 player.

Now, with another tournament ahead, Ben Shelton is ready to take the next step. Can he turn his semifinal streak into something even bigger?