Ben Shelton Wins Maiden Tour-Level Title In Tokyo

Ben Shelton, a new champion at the Japan Open after defeating former world No. 14 Aslan Karatsev in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, taking just 84 minutes to lift his maiden tour-level title. The young American proves himself to be not only a great entertainer on the court but also a player who can win and consistently make deep runs on tour.

© Shuji Kajiyama/AP

Shelton in just 10 months after turning professional is set to move to a career-high ranking of No. 15 on the ATP Pepperstone Ranking on Monday after winning the title.

The 21-year-old is a talent like no other. He took full advantage of his rocket lefty serves and forehand in the finals against Karatsev, hitting 18 winners and winning 80% of his first serves. This match moves Shelton ahead and leads Karatsev 2-0 in the pair’s head2head meetings. Shelton also only lost 2 of his last 16 matches and will be looking forward to a great end of the season. 

Ben Shelton has kick-started his career with a good season, to say the least. He won his maiden ATP title on tour, made the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, and the semi-finals at the US Open on his debut. He is also the youngest American man since Michael Chang in 1992 to make the final four at the US Open. Ben Shelton is playing well and is likely to become the next American man to break into the top 10 on the ATP Pepperstone ranking.