Ben Shelton thought that coming back home, after a memorable Australian Open run, would be a smooth ride. Little did he know it wasn’t going to be the case. Why so? Well, the World No.14 and 2025 Melbourne Major semifinalist just came across a bizarre and shocking incident while commuting in Florida. It eventually left the 2023 US Open semifinalist baffled while scratching his head. And it became evident from his latest social media update. But what did he see?

On Thursday, Shelton put a short video clip on his Instagram story. It showed him being stuck in the middle of a traffic jam. Reason? Well, there was a helicopter looming over the road! Sharing his commuting experience while trying to understand the whole situation, Shelton wrote, “Helicopter is crazy what is going on.” Alongside the helicopter, a police car also arrived at the scene, further intensifying the entire situation. Unfortunately, there was no further update from the 22-year-old on this “crazy” incident.

While he’s now in Florida, Shelton’s last week was filled with rollercoaster moments. In over two decades, he became the youngest American to reach the Australian Open’s semifinal, since Andy Roddick in 2003. The 22-year-old defeated Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) in the QF round.

But his dream to become the first ATP pro from his country to reach a Slam final, since Roddick in 2004’s Wimbledon, eventually shattered. World No.1 Jannik Sinner beat him in the SF stage. Although Shelton posed a significant challenge to the World No. 1 in the first set, pushing it to a tie-break, he was no match for the Italian after that. Sinner advanced into the title clash after defeating him 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2. However, Shelton was not disappointed with his campaign. In fact, he’s hopeful to make a mark in upcoming tournaments!

Ben Shelton has a positive mindset despite a heartbreaking Australian Open exit

After losing the semi-final match against Jannik Sinner, Ben Shelton had a very optimistic point of view on his performance. He acknowledged that playing against someone like Sinner was a tough task and the Italian was a better player in the semifinal.“Obviously you’re playing the No. 1 player in the world, the chances and 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,” Shelton said in the post-match press conference, as reported by the ATP’s website on January 24.

But he also revealed a positive approach to his journey ahead, as he intended to take his learnings from Melbourne in good spirits. “I know I’m close. I know my level’s close. I know I have a lot of the stuff that I need. I certainly believe in myself,” said Shelton. Speaking further about facing top-ranked opponents, he added, “I just think that the reps against those guys, the consistency of playing those guys, playing a lot of matches in a week or a couple of weeks, that will be the goal this year for me.”

Talking about positives, Shelton witnessed a huge jump in ATP rankings as well, thanks to a deep run in the Australian Open. Previously sitting at the 20th spot, he took a significant leap in the updated rankings earlier this week. The young American is now in 14th position, making his way back to the top 15 after last year. In September 2024, he reached his career-best ranking of No.13.

What are your thoughts on Shelton’s prospects in the 2025 season going forward? Can he be a title contender in one of the remaining three slams? Let us know in the comments below.