Ben Shelton's Rising Star: A Close Look at His Australian Open Journey
As the 2025 Australian Open heats up, one of the most exciting and promising players in the tournament, Ben Shelton, is proving his potential. Few people expected him to make it to this stage, but the young American has exceeded expectations. After securing a spot in the quarterfinals, Shelton is now set to face Lorenzo Sonego, and all eyes are on him to see if he can continue his impressive run.
Shelton’s path to the quarterfinals has been nothing short of impressive. In his previous rounds, he has shown incredible resilience, dispatching opponents with a mix of raw power, speed, and tactical intelligence. His performance at the 2023 US Open, where he made it to the semifinals, has clearly set the tone for this season. But this time, it’s the Australian Open, a tournament on his favorite surface—hard courts—where he feels most at home. With his strong serve and solid baseline play, Shelton’s game is tailor-made for the conditions in Melbourne.
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Facing him now is Lorenzo Sonego, a seasoned Italian veteran. While Sonego has had a solid tournament, there are questions about whether he can match Shelton's firepower on the big stage. Sonego has certainly been impressive, defeating notable players such as Stan Wawrinka and Joao Fonseca. However, his draw has been relatively favorable, with none of his opponents yet challenging him in the same way Shelton will. While Sonego has the experience, it’s clear that he has struggled in recent years, especially with his return game, which was one of his weaknesses in 2024.
On the other hand, Shelton's strengths are undeniable. His power from the baseline is extraordinary, and his serve is one of the most potent weapons in tennis today. His stats from 2024 highlight just how difficult it is to break his serve—he has held at a remarkable 90% on hard courts. With Sonego's low break percentage, it’s hard to imagine how the Italian can gain any significant advantage.
But it’s not just power that sets Shelton apart; his growth as a player is evident in his decision-making and his improved backhand. With better preparation and a solid offseason, Shelton has addressed some areas where he was lacking. His ability to make smart choices under pressure will be key, especially if the match goes to tight sets or even tiebreakers. He’s proven he can handle the intensity of crucial moments, and that experience should serve him well against Sonego.
Looking ahead, Shelton’s raw athleticism and talent should be enough to carry him past Sonego, especially given that the match will be played on his favorite surface. The Italian is a formidable opponent, but Shelton’s all-around game and sheer power make him the favorite. Whether the match lasts in straight sets or goes the distance, it’s hard to imagine Sonego having an answer for the American's barrage of shots. Ben Shelton has everything to make a deep run this year, and his quarterfinal matchup against Sonego will likely be another step toward further greatness.
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