It's The Gator Versus The Joker

Ben Shelton is the youngest American man (20) to make it to the US Open semifinals since Andy Roddick in 2002.

Happy times for Ben Shelton these days. UAA Photo

If you’re a Gator and you haven’t watched men’s tennis in a while, you’re in for a huge treat this weekend: It's the Gator Versus the Joker on Friday.

The sky’s the limit for Gator Ben Shelton. Already the youngest American man (20) to make it to the US Open semifinals since Andy Roddick in 2002, Sheldon is lighting up that New York sky over Arthur Ashe Stadium, emerging as the Fresh Prince of Flushing.

In the 47th Grand Slam semifinals (Novak Djokovic) versus 1 Grand Slam semifinal (Shelton), Ben continues his remarkable run at the US Open after defeating a fellow a black American, 10th seeded Francis TIafoe 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2 in match that was delayed by rain, started on a Tuesday and ended on a Wednesday, They played past midnight at Arthur Ashe stadium in New York. The match up was the first major quarterfinal between two African American men and the US Open era that began in 1968.

Colorful Ben Shelton, of course, is a Gator, probably on his way to possibly having among the most followers on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter (more than 21K) than any current make athlete at UF (gymnast Morgan Hurd had 37.5.)

So, who IS Ben Shelton?

He signed with Florida July 22nd 2020 with a very impressive resume:

--2019 FHSA state champion, singles

--2019 USTA Boys 16s clay courts champion, doubles

--2020 USTA Boys 18s winter national finalist, singles

--Number three nationally ranked player among 18 year olds USTA

--Number four nationally ranked player in the class of 2021 tennis recruiting network

--Five-star blue chip prospect tennis recruiting network

Playing at Buchholz high school in Gainesville, Ben was able to graduate early and come to UF a year early where father Bryan Shelton, was in year 8 of 11 as head coach. Coach Shelton said, “As Ben's father, I'm especially proud of him for all the work he has put in to get here both in the classroom and the tennis court. His mom and I realized just how great of an opportunity has to be a student athlete at such a special place Our staff expects great things from Ben and can't wait to get started.”

What a start it was! After COVID hit the world in 2020 Florida would go on and win its first NCAA title in program history the next year.

In 2022 Ben would finish with a 12 and 2 record, winning an individual NCAA championship. Shelton defeated #27 Andrej Styler (Michigan), #15 Axel Nefve (Notre Dame), #19 JJ Tracy (Ohio State), #15 Arthur Fery (Stanford), #3 Adam Walton (Tennessee) and #6 August Holmgren of San Diego. Shelton would end the season on a 10-match win streak, with a 37-5 singles record, and a team high 27 of those coming against ranked opponents.

The SEC tournament MVP totaled a 20-4 dual record in singles, a 10-2 record in conference play and was 14-2 at the number one singles position.

Tuesday’s win for Ben sets up a semifinal with #2 seed Novak Djokovic. Arguably the best men’s player of all time.

What's exciting is the resurgence of US men's tennis. There have been 78 majors since an American Andy Roddick won a Grand Slam at the US Open in 2003.

Shelton has all the tools to get it done. He's a player that has charisma, looks and tools to win. That third set against Tiafoe was back and forth. Six breaks of serve in the first eight games. A saved set point in the tiebreaker that he would win 9-7. Ben has a little fun too. He put his U.S. Open towel on his chair backwards so it looks like it says Ben. He eggs on the crowd asking for more noise. At 6-4, 195 pounds, he can hit a 140 mph serve. His forehand is 109 mph. The crowd eats that up.

The part of this journey that's unique to watch is having his father in the stands coaching him up during the match. Hearing or watching the back and forth between them really is delightful. All the Orange and Blue in his players section doesn't hurt either.

The crowd should be electric for the Gator vs. the Joker. Ben is just two wins away from winning a Grand Slam title. More Gator Chomps to come at Center Court?