Ben Shelton is headed back to the Australian Open quarterfinals - and he’s doing it with serious firepower and a growing sense of purpose. The former Florida standout and current No. 8 seed took down No. 12 seed Casper Ruud in four sets (3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4) in Rod Laver Arena, delivering a statement performance packed with 14 aces, including one that clocked in just shy of 142 mph. This marks Shelton’s third trip to the quarters in the last four years - a sign that he’s not just a rising star anymore, but a real threat in the second week of Slams.
Now, the 21-year-old American will face a familiar and formidable opponent in world No. 2 Jannik Sinner - the same player who ended Shelton’s run in Melbourne a year ago with a straight-sets win in the semifinals. Shelton’s been locked in during this tournament, but to flip the script against Sinner, he’ll need to hit another gear.
“I have a lot more that I want to do here and a lot more to prove,” Shelton said after the match. And if his recent play is any indication, he’s not just talking - he’s backing it up.
The Road to the Quarterfinals
Shelton didn’t exactly get a soft landing in Melbourne. His path to the quarters has been one of the tougher ones in the draw, starting with a dangerous opening-round matchup against former world No.
13 Ugo Humbert. Shelton handled it with poise and power, winning in straight sets - 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) - while hitting 43 winners and keeping his unforced errors to just 26.
That kind of clean hitting set the tone for what’s been a strong, efficient run.
In the second round, he made quick work of Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny, cruising 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 behind 19 aces and 38 winners. Then came No. 30 seed Valentin Vacherot, and again, Shelton didn’t drop a set. He served 15 aces, hit 48 winners, and limited himself to 27 unforced errors in a 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (5) win.
The round of 16 brought the biggest challenge yet: Casper Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the sport’s most consistent performers. After dropping the first set, Shelton flipped the match with a blend of power and composure. He finished with 55 winners to 45 unforced errors - another positive differential that’s becoming a theme in his game.
The Sinner Rematch: What Needs to Change
Jannik Sinner isn’t just the No. 2 player in the world - he’s also the two-time defending champion in Australia and arguably the best returner on tour right now. Shelton knows firsthand how tough Sinner can be on this stage.
In last year’s semifinal, Sinner dismantled him 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2. The numbers told the story: Shelton had just 7 aces, 27 winners, and a whopping 55 unforced errors.
That’s not going to get it done against a player of Sinner’s caliber.
So what’s different this time?
For starters, Shelton’s forehand is dialed in. He’s been crushing it all tournament, and after beating Ruud, he didn’t hold back: “I’ve never hit my forehand this good.
I feel like I’m hitting it bigger than I’ve ever hit it.” That’s a big deal, because in past matchups with Sinner, his forehand has been shaky - forcing him to rely too heavily on his serve.
If that shot holds up, it changes the dynamic of the match.
Speaking of the serve, it’s been a major weapon. Shelton ranks second in total aces at the tournament with 63, trailing only fellow American Taylor Fritz.
He’s landing about 67% of his first serves, a solid mark that allows him to dictate points early. Last year against Sinner, that number dipped to 59%, and the Italian made him pay.
To keep Sinner from taking control on the return, Shelton needs to be closer to 70%.
Then there’s the weather - and this could be a subtle X-factor. Sinner has shown vulnerability in extreme heat.
In his third-round match against American Eliot Spizzirri, Sinner was down a break in the third set with the match tied at one set apiece before the roof closed due to heat. He recovered to win in four, but the signs were there: the heat can get to him.
Shelton, who grew up playing in the Florida sun, could have the edge if the match is scheduled during the day.
On the flip side, if it’s a night match, Shelton will need to make some quick adjustments. He’s admitted to struggling with the heavier, fluffier ball that tends to show up under the lights.
“I had a completely different feeling of the ball coming off the racquet,” he said. “Certainly different conditions playing at night.
I’m glad that I have that match under my belt now, because I was able to find a good rhythm.”
The Bottom Line
Shelton has the tools to push Sinner - a booming serve, a forehand that’s clicking, and the athleticism to hang in long rallies. But against a player as complete as Sinner, there’s no margin for error.
Shelton will need to serve big, hit clean, and manage the moment. He’s already proven he belongs in the second week of Slams.
Now comes the next test: can he take that next step and knock off one of the game’s elite?
We’ll find out soon enough. One thing’s for sure - Ben Shelton isn’t just showing up. He’s chasing something bigger.