Just two years into the sport as a pro has certainly changed things for Ben Shelton. He made his ATP Tour debut at the 2022 Atlanta Open, defeating Ramkumar Ramanathan, and quickly gained attention by reaching the third round of the Cincinnati Masters, where he stunned world No. 5 Casper Ruud. After announcing his decision to turn pro in August 2022, Shelton’s journey has been nothing short of wild. Now ranked No. 21 in the ATP standings, he has clinched two titles: one at the Tokyo Open in 2023 and another at the Houston Open in 2024. The American has had quite an eventful two years and he’s still learning as he goes.

While navigating the ups and downs of the tour, including a notable rivalry with top players, Shelton reflects on how much has changed since his debut. During a recent “hit and talk” session with On, the Swiss sportswear brand co-founded by Roger Federer, he answered fan questions while practicing. When asked about the most surprising aspect of being a tennis player, Shelton revealed, “How much you’re on the road and how much we travel.”

This year alone, Shelton competed in 25 tournaments, playing a total of 68 matches with an impressive win-loss record of 42-26. He’s certainly had his fair share of traveling experience.

At the 2023 US Open, after he took Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3, Shelton showcased a unique way to celebrate a win known as the iconic “hang up the phone” gesture. While some viewed this gesture as arrogant, others appreciated its creativity. However, things took a turn during his semifinal clash at the 2023 US Open, when Novak Djokovic turned Shelton’s signature celebration against him.

After winning, Nole mimicked Shelton’s gesture. He initially claimed it was out of admiration but later suggested he did it because Shelton didn’tt “behave properly.” This sparked debates about unsportsmanlike behavior. The press didn’t let it down easy, the incident was brought up again at the 2024 Australian Open, and Shelton stated there was nothing to say and it was all in the past. “I feel like I’ve been asked about it constantly in the last four or five months. I feel like I’ve said my piece on the matter. I would rather just let it settle and move forward. We’re in Australia now, and we’re at the Australian Open and not the US Open anymore,” the American said.

Now as Shelton prepares for the 2025 season with a renewed passion for victories, he continues sharing glimpses of his personal life with his followers on social media. Among his joys is his Cadillac car, which recently faced some trouble for the young star.

Shelton expresses frustration over losing car parts

Earlier this month, Ben Shelton faced off against Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match in New York, where he unfortunately came up short. Despite the loss, Shelton is back to practicing hard. While his professional life seems to be on track, his personal life has hit a snag. He recently took to Instagram to share a close-up of his Cadillac Escalade, highlighting a frustrating issue: “Someone stole all 4 of my air caps,” he lamented, adding a crying emoji to express his disappointment.

Shelton has a deep affection for his Cadillac and often shares his experiences with it on social media. Last month, he was shocked to learn that car servicing costs could reach $300 per hour. In a humorous twist, he jokingly asked the shopkeeper if they were hiring, saying, “This service shop just told me their hourly labor rate is 300/hour when I asked them to do some work on my car. Crazy world out here.” His light-hearted take on the expensive repairs showcases his humility and appreciation for hard-earned money.

Always particular about his driving standards, Shelton even called out a fellow Cadillac driver at the 2024 Cincinnati Open for poor parking. He recorded himself expressing his dismay: “If they give everyone here a Cadillac Escalade, I think it’s a responsibility right? You can at least check the parking!” With his love for neat driving and beautiful Cadillacs, Shelton continues to entertain fans both on and off the court. What do you think about Shelton’s prospects next season? Let us know in the comments below!