Insane fitness level! Ben Shelton versus Lorenzo Sonego was a show of pure entertainment. The American managed to seal the deal against the Italian in the QF by 6-4,7-5,4-6,7-6(4), but during the match, we saw some scintillating moments. During the second set, we saw Lorenzo Sonego producing a true masterpiece against Ben Shelton. The American was left stunned when Songeo fought off a break point with a diving drop volley that spun back onto his side of the net. Then in the fourth set, Ben Shelton surprised the fans with his insane fitness levels.

During the fourth set, Ben Shelton fell down on the floor while hitting a shot. However, just a few moments later, he quickly jumped back on his feet and did some pushups before returning to the match. The commentators were heard saying, “Can you believe it?” as they saw Shelton do push-ups shortly after bumping into the advertisement board.

What’s the secret to Ben Shelton’s incredible athleticism? Well, this 22-year-old tennis star played multiple sports during his childhood days. Football was his first and foremost love. This lefty quarterback’s love for football was previously highlighted by his father, Bryan Shelton when he said, “I kind of accepted at an early age that tennis probably wasn’t going to be his thing. I thought of team sports. He’s way more social than I was at that stage. I was more of an introvert and he’s a total extrovert. He’s loud and outgoing and has just so much energy.” So, seeing him convert a nasty fall into an energetic fitness flex is perhaps not a big surprise for those who know him.

Apart from showing his incredible fitness levels, Ben Shelton‘s grit to fight back after losing the third set was truly praiseworthy. He has now reached his second Grand Slam SF. The first one came at the 2023 US Open! With this win, he has now also joined Rafael Nadal in an elite group. Shelton’s latest win means that since 1988, he has now become just the second left-handed player since Rafael Nadal to reach the SF of both hard-court Grand Slams. What did Shelton say after this emphatic victory in the QF?

Ben Shelton has already fastened his seatbelts for an epic SF clash at the 2025 AO

With relentless athleticism and composure, Ben Shelton has become the youngest American to reach two AO QFs since Andy Roddick. Roddick had previously predicted Gael Monfils to win in the fourth-round match against Ben Shelton. After Shelton’s win against the Frenchman though, Roddick quickly admitted his mistake and heaped praise on his compatriot.

He said, “He came on tour, and he was this raw athletic thing that you could tell, didn’t have many reps at the highest level. It’s been on-the-job training. Props to him for really committing and getting better over time.” Further reflecting on his initial prediction, Andy Roddick admitted, “I got that one wrong; I kinda picked the other way.“

Shelton might not get a lot of support from the Aussie crowd during his SF match. Either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur will be his opponent in the SF. “Well, I mean, if it’s the home favorite, Alex de Minaur, 100 percent you guys can boo me, you can throw stuff at my head. I understand, home guy,” Shelton remarked.

What if he faces the defending champion, Jannik Sinner? “If it’s the No. 1 in the world, it’ll probably be the same. I’m looking forward to it. I know I got a few people in the crowd who are going to be pulling for me too,” said Ben Shelton.

Jannik Sinner is currently taking on Alex de Minaur at the Rod Laver Arena and guess what? He has already won the first set and got off to a flying start in the second as well.

Sinner has beaten Shelton four times in their five meetings. It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top if they meet for the sixth time in their careers. Do you think Shelton can make it to the final at the 2025 AO?