Andy Roddick recently heaped rich praise on Ben Shelton following the 22-year-old's run to the Australian Open semifinals. The former US Open champion believes that while Shelton hasn't gone through a steep upward growth similar to his predecessors like Novak Djokovic or Andre Agassi, it is commendable how far the young American has come in the last few months.
Although Ben Shelton was easily dismantled in straight sets by top-seeded Jannik Sinner in their last-four clash, Andy Roddick listed several positive takeaways from the World No. 20's campaign at the 2025 Australian Open during his latest episode of the 'Served With Andy Roddick' podcast.
The 42-year-old pointed out that Shelton's double-handed backhand had improved a lot while comparing him to past greats like Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi, both of whom have also come to be renowned for their scorching two-handers.
"He has really made strides in fitness. Backhand is better. Is it perfect? No, it's not perfect. It's so improved compared to 15 months ago, which is what you look for. Not everyone is Novak, not everyone is Andre," Andy Roddick said on his podcast [10:55]. "And that can't be the comparison. But simply, I think his serve is elite. It's great. One of the best on tour, I weirdly think it can be even better and more accurate."
The 2023 US Open semifinalist, who had reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne two years ago in only his second career Major tournament, went one better Down Under as he made it to the last four this fortnight. Seeded 21st, Ben Shelton received resistance from the likes of Lorenzo Musetti and Gael Monfils en route to the semifinals.
Andy Roddick: "Ben Shelton's fitness is not in question, he is a horse"
During the podcast, Andy Roddick also touched upon how Ben Shelton went deep in Melbourne despite suffering a second-round upset at the hands of the fast-rising Jakub Mensik at the ASB Classic, which served as a lead-up event to the Australian Open. The former World No. 1 praised the 22-year-old's physical conditioning as well.
"Ben Shelton came in, he didn't have any prep and lost to Jakub Mensik in his only match coming in (at the ASB Classic), brutal first round draw with Brandon Nakashima, makes semis," Roddick said [10:38]. "His fitness is not in question, he is a horse. "
Shelton will next play at the 2025 Dallas Open, which begins on February 3. The American is seeded fourth at the ATP 250 tournament and will be joined at the event by top players like Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul.
How did Novak Djokovic meet Jelena Ristic? All about the most admired couples in tennis