Ben Shelton has been making considerable waves in the tennis circuit. He displayed a gritty performance during the Grass Slam, followed by a quarterfinal exit at the Cincinnati Masters. While he has not claimed a big title this season other than ATP Houston, the American tennis star has tried to further his chances at every tournament. Hard work never goes to waste, as it has paid off the 21-year-old off the court, with remarkable support from brands. And Shelton’s good friend, Emma Navarro, is smelling something good as the American star steps into a new collaboration!

This season has been big for Shelton, off the court. He marked the beginning of his 2024 season with a huge collaboration with Rolex, riding high on his exceptional US Open stint, where he was ousted by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, in the semifinals. Fast forward to the present, Shelton has joined hands with another big name, Ralph Lauren. In his recent Instagram post, Shelton shared their new fragrance, Polo 67, in style with the caption: “Getting fresh for the week ahead #Polo67!”

And, his dapper look found an admirer in Navarro. She appeared in the comments with a supportive yet cheeky remark. “Woah, this guy must smell good”– Navarro said.

Shelton and Navarro seem to be close friends. After winning his first title of the season at Houston, Shelton found his way to the USTA National Campus in Orlando to cheer Navarro and Jessica Pegula. Moreover, he also paired with Navarro in the short tennis format at the Eisenhower Cup and emerged victorious.

What caught everyone’s attention was the appreciation post by Navarro. She said, “Loved watching @benshelton serve go by me at the net last night. Thanks for having us @tiebreaktens.” Shelton replied with a heartwarming remark in the comments section. He said, “Ur the 🐐.”

A fulfilled banter between two friends is certainly a delight to watch. But tennis fans on the other hand are waiting for an improvement over last year’s result from Shelton. Could he get through the challenges to make it to the finals at the US Open 2024?

Can Ben Shelton pull away with big wins to make it to the finals of the US Open?

Shelton has produced good results throughout the season. He has clinched a title and made it to the quarterfinals and semifinals of a few tournaments. But big wins, which could be a turning point in his career, have been elusive this season. He has yet to replicate the path he followed at the US Open 2023. And as the circuit has gone a full circle, the gazes are stuck at the Flushing Meadows again.

Tough opponents fill Shelton’s path from the very first round of the US Open. Right now the American is battling the veteran, Dominic Thiem, in a tough contest, matched evenly. Shelton has taken a step forward in the first set with 5-4. Moreover, if he gets past Thiem, the American tennis star would face Luca Nardi or Roberto Bautista Agut and he can’t take either of them lightly. Nonetheless, the whole of America rallies behind its young star to bring it home in 2024.

What do you think about Shelton’s prospects in the ongoing US Open? Let us know in the comments.