Ben Shelton is making waves at the 2025 Australian Open, as the American tennis sensation has reached the quarterfinals for the second time in his young career. The 22-year-old is set to face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, with fans and experts alike eager to see if Shelton can replicate his remarkable semifinal run at the 2023 US Open.
Shelton has had quite the tournament in Melbourne, dropping only three sets on his way to the final eight. His remarkable campaign started with a commanding straight-set victory against Brandon Nakashima, followed by a four-set win over Pablo Carreno Busta. The stage was set for Shelton's showdown with the 16th-seeded Lorenzo Musetti, where he again showcased his skills, securing victory and moving one step closer to the semifinals.
One of the most memorable moments of Shelton's tournament came during his match against Musetti. Following his win, Shelton humorously opened up about his father and coach, Bryan Shelton. “He’s never let me play him. I don’t think he ever will let me play,” he said, reflecting on the mental edge his father has maintained. Bryan, who has coached Ben since 2023, brings extensive experience to the team—having won multiple titles as both a player and coach.
To get to the quarterfinals, Shelton encountered Gael Monfils, who was forced to retire from their fourth-round match due to injury. Shelton showcased poise and resilience, capitalizing on the situation and continuing to build momentum. Now, faced with Sonego, Shelton is viewed as the favorite, especially considering his stellar serving prowess. He has been holding at 90% of his service games over the past year, showcasing his dominance with the serve.
Betting previews are optimistic about Shelton's chances against Sonego, who is ranked No. 55. Although Sonego has demonstrated strong form during the tournament, his path has not been as challenging as Shelton's, raising questions about whether he can withstand Shelton's firepower.
Remarkably, Shelton's performances at Grand Slams have set him apart. Former world number one Andy Roddick shared this insight, stating, “Credit to Ben Shelton, he’s been performing even stronger at Slams than on the regular tour.” Roddick noted Shelton’s knack for handling the pressure of three out of five-set matches, which has proven beneficial for his confidence.
On the other hand, Sonego is considered to have faced weaker opponents leading up to this match, including rising talent Learner Tien and veteran Stan Wawrinka—who met Sonego at less than his peak. The Italian has had his strengths, but several analysts believe Shelton’s combination of power and youth will outmatch him.
Both players have previous encounters on the ATP Tour, with their head-to-head record sitting at one victory each. Notably, Sonego won their most recent meeting—a tension-filled four-setter at the Grand Slam level. This time, with the stakes higher, Shelton is determined to turn the tide.
The quarterfinal will take place at the Rod Laver Arena, with the match scheduled for 10:30 PM EST. ESPN will provide live coverage of this exciting clash. Shelton's recent form and service capabilities fuel speculation about his path to the semifinals and perhaps beyond, as he aims for his first Grand Slam title.
Heading onto the court tonight, Shelton has the support of the tennis community behind him. Many see this match not just as another step toward personal achievement, but also as a potential moment where he can solidify his place among the elite of the sport. If successful against Sonego, he will meet the winner of the Jannik Sinner versus Alex De Minaur match, which promises more high-level competition.
With everything on the line, Shelton must leverage his experience and the mentorship of his father to navigate the challenges posed by Sonego. The atmosphere is building, and tennis fans are eager to see if Shelton can charge forward, showcasing his burgeoning talent on one of tennis's biggest stages. Will he reach the semifinals and cement his status as one of the sport's rising stars?
The anticipation leading up to this match is palpable, with discussions about Shelton’s ups and downs at previous tournaments adding depth to his potential. His 2024 season may not have brought the desired results, but his comeback demonstrates his tenacity and skill. The tennis world certainly has its eyes on Ben Shelton during this year's Australian Open.