Ben Shelton: The Tennis Heartthrob Who’s Winning Off the Court
At just 22, American tennis sensation Ben Shelton has not only made a name for himself on the court, ranking as high as No. 12 in the world, but he’s also become a social media phenomenon, captivating fans across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Following his impressive run at the 2023 US Open, where he became the youngest American man to reach the semifinals since 1992, Shelton has amassed a staggering 853,000 followers on Instagram, and his TikTok videos are racking up millions of views.
These short clips, often accompanied by catchy tunes like NLE Choppa’s “Self Esteem,” showcase Shelton’s striking looks and fiery on-court demeanor, prompting even non-tennis aficionados to exclaim, “I should start watching tennis!” However, Shelton is not just passively enjoying this newfound fame; he’s fully aware of the playful edits circulating online. “It’s hard not to see that,” he quipped, referring to the TikTok montages that have sparked a wave of commentary. “Some of the people, the comments and the captions, they got issues. It’s pretty funny for me.”
Moreover, Shelton’s fellow players have taken notice, with retired pros like John Isner and Sam Querrey featuring him in their podcast’s “hottie” bracket. In this lighthearted competition, Shelton advanced before bowing out against eventual winner Matteo Berrettini, humbly stating, “I didn’t want no smoke with [Matteo].”
Despite his charming persona, Shelton isn’t afraid to confront serious issues within the sport. At the 2025 Australian Open, he garnered attention for calling out the “disrespectful” treatment of players by the media, suggesting that the scrutiny athletes face can often cross a line. “I thought it was really poor in Australia this year,” he remarked, shedding light on a topic that resonates with many in the sporting world.
As he gears up for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, starting March 8, all eyes will be on this rising star—not just for his tennis prowess but for the magnetic charm he brings to the court and beyond. Shelton is not just playing the game; he’s redefining what it means to be a modern athlete in the digital age.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, ESPN, The Guardian
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