All of twenty years of age, and toppling top names on the circuit. That’s Ben Shelton for you. Breaking out of nowhere, the American tennis sensation has already created ripples on the ATP Tour. Turning pro in 2022, the young man is enjoying the best moments of his fledgling tennis career. In the recently concluded US Open, Shelton reached the semifinal before losing against the eventual champion, Novak Djokovic, in straight sets. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the young gun might just have something to cheer about.

ESPN recently dropped a major prediction update for next year’s Grand Slam tournaments. Listing out possible contenders for 2024 champions, Shelton’s name was slated across the board for the 2024 US Open. Optimistic forecasting at best and premature overreaching at worst, fans were left divided as they dropped in mixed reactions.

What did fans say about Ben Shelton winning the 2024 US Open?

In the list released by ESPN, future Grand Slam champions were predicted along the lines of Gen-Z trailblazers like Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff and veterans like Djokovic and Nadal. However, Shelton’s inclusion was a surprise for many fans. The post, shared on Twitter, invited reactions from thousands of fans. One of the Twitter users said, “Kids, this is another example to stay off the drugs.”

Further, another fan wrote, “Ben Shelton, you are taking the p*ss surely.”

Meanwhile, some fans were left enraged after coming across this prediction. One of them wrote, “Whoever makes these picks should not be allowed to make any picks or prediction on the sport ever again.”

Similarly, another fan said, “I’ll be damned if an American man wins us open.”

However, one of the fans laughed at the list, saying, “Ben Shelton for USO loooooooool.”

While Shelton is tipped to win the US Open next year, ESPN predicted that Alcaraz, Nadal, and Djokovic will win the other three majors next year. The American star, who recently lost to Djokovic at the US Open, remained optimistic despite not making it to the final. His high spirits and fighting spirit might just be what proves the naysayers wrong next year!

Shelton hopes for a better result

Following a one-sided defeat against Djokovic, Shelton didn’t disappoint as he believed more is yet to come for him. Talking about it, he said, “I wish I could have a ball that says when and who is going to be the American who is the first guy since Andy Roddick to win a Grand Slam, but unfortunately I don’t have that.”

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Meanwhile, the 20-year-old has also been following Coco Gauff as the American sensation won her maiden Grand Slam title. The latter defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the summit clash to win the biggest title of her career, and Shelton rooted for his compatriot all the way. On the other hand, Ben Shelton will hope to improve his form, aiming to be consistent as he goes a step higher next time.

Read more: Novak Djokovic Brings Out His Villainous Side as He Throws Shade at 20YO Ben Shelton with a Nasty Gesture Post Mammoth US Open Win