“We’re put on this pedestal, and it’s easy to just think everything is about yourself, and the world revolves around you, but it doesn’t,” said Ben Shelton after his cover shoot with GQ in 2023. But, like it or not, fans’ attention revolves around hard-hitting players, and the American sensation is a part of that mix. The talented lefty, weeks after nearing his maiden Slam quest at the Australian Open, jetted to the Californian desert for the Masters event in Tennis Paradise. But before taking on competitors, Shelton graced the cover of Vogue magazine, and seeing him flaunt just as flawlessly off-court, fellow tennis star Coco Gauff couldn’t help but drop a reaction.

Shelton, who is still hunting for his maiden ATP 1000 Masters title, recently suffered a shock loss to David Goffin in the second round of the Mexican Open. However, that didn’t stop he 2022 NCAA Singles champion from getting a cover shoot treatment from Vogue.

Moments after profiling in the lucrative fashion magazine, his countrywoman and close friend Gauff took to Instagram to comment on his latest social media post. “Okayy,” Gauff wrote. For those unaware, the WTA star recently stole the spotlight at the 2025 Oscars after marking her first-ever Academy Awards attendance in Hollywood. Joined by her mother Candi as her date for the big night, Gauff later laid bare her thoughts on attending star-studded events, saying she “usually says no to these things because I get anxiety really bad, but I’m just happy to be here. I wanna be more than just a tennis player and step into other worlds.”

Coming back to Shelton nonetheless, with a big serve and an even bigger stage presence, Shelton flipped the tour on its head with his breakthrough season in 2023. And, after his big break at the season’s US Open – where he finished as a semifinalist against Novak Djokovic – GQ Magazine ticketed him to “superstardom.” While he has made notable strides on the tour and currently boasts a career-high ranking of No. 12, the young talent has a long journey to uncover before he etches his name in glory.

Unlike other competitors, Shelton rose to prominence by hanging a different idea in his head. The American sensation didn’t dream of becoming the next Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. He wanted to be the next Calvin Johnson. Sounds rather surprising, doesn’t it? But, Shelton had his fair share of reasons.

Ben Shelton says he ‘regrets’ not choosing cool sports like baseball or football

American star Ben Shelton confessed to his candid feelings about pursuing a career in tennis over ‘cool’ sports like football and baseball. The 22-year-old also admitted to not feeling connected with the sport initially, despite having a tennis-rich background. His father, Bryan, is a former ATP player and a coach at the University of Florida, whereas his older sibling, Emma, plays college tennis.

During the interview with Vogue Magazine, Shelton highlighted how tennis wasn’t a near-popular choice of sport during his school days. In contrast, baseball and football were considered ‘cool sports.’ The  22-year-old revealed that being a quarterback sounded like the most thrilling career path back in the day. “Tennis was my dad’s thing. It was my sister’s thing. And for me, growing up in American public schools, tennis wasn’t really cool.”

“Football is cool, basketball is cool—even baseball is cool. But playing quarterback—being on that field, hitting people—for me, that was the most fun you can have in athletics,” he added. The World number 12 regrets opting for a sport that is not a contact sport at all. “Oh, no, no, no—hitting. Hitting them. I love contact. That’s the one thing I regret about choosing tennis—not being able to play a contact sport,” Shelton further remarked.

Be it as it may, Shelton is dialled to register an impressive ATP career. The American youngster will perform at the Indian Wells next, with his opening round showcase slated to commence on Saturday, March 8. Are you backing him to make a deep run in the tournament?