This year saw the emergence of Ben Shelton, who made a name for himself in the world of tennis by making an impact at the US Open with his two serving bombs and reaching the semi-finals of the tournament. In addition, he achieved his first ATP title of the season when he triumphed in the Japan Open against Russia’s Aslan Karatsiev in a 7-5 6-1 final. Ultimately, his journey this year culminated in him reaching the No. 17 spot in the Pepperstone ATP rankings.
And considering that the 21-year-old only turned pro in the late summer of 2022, the world gaped at his achievements.
Robert Federer: ‘He’s my fave’
Adding to the list of Shelton’s admirers is Robert Federer, the father of legendary tennis icon and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
He confessed that since his son retired, Shelton has been his favorite player to watch.
“Wow, it’s just beautiful to look at him. I’m a big fan of his. He’s my new favourite.” Robert said.
Roger Federer’s father, Robert, says Ben Shelton is his new favorite player to watch:
“Wow, it’s just beautiful to look at him. I’m a big fan of his. He’s my new favourite.”
(via Blick) pic.twitter.com/40oqSl2lcB
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 11, 2023
Fans under the Tennis Letter’s post then agreed with Robert, and said that Shelton was indeed extraordinary for his age.
One fan said, “He’s a very exciting young guy, with an incredible talent for tennis and a huge and refreshing personality !!” While another one commented, “Ben Shelton is extraordinary”
Some fans also asserted that his statement might be connected to Ben representing the brand ON, in which Federer is a major shareholder, writing, “this is brand related right? Shelton signed to the same brand as Federer, On shoes”
On March of this year, the Swiss company ON announced the signing of Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek as their new brand ambassadors.
Roger said: “They demonstrate On’s competitive spirit and embody current and future champions of the sport”.
Swiss company On, of which Roger Federer is one of the major shareholders, has announced the signing of world no. 1 Iga Swiatek, Ben Shelton and 16-year-old João Fonseca.
Roger said: "They demonstrate On's competitive spirit and embody current and future champions of the sport". pic.twitter.com/nVnNDVKiuj
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) March 20, 2023
Shelton’s fave: Roger Federer
Last month, Shelton was asked who among the Big Three was his favorite, to which he admitted that it was Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, which comes as a full circle.
“I studied Nadal and tried to steal some secrets from him. But my favorite has always been Roger. Novak Djokovic? In three years he will still be a top 5, and he will still win tournaments,” Shelton said, as per tennisuptodate.
Cover Photo: YouTube