Ben Shelton receives huge prediction before US Open by former top American tennis star

Rising tennis star Ben Shelton won his maiden clay court title at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship last weekend, and has been touted to achieve even greater success by the end of the season by former American tennis pro, Jimmy Arias.

Shelton defeated compatriot and defending champion Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set match on Sunday, playing with skill and precision on arguably his worst surface. The 21-year old has been bulldozed his way through the ATP rankings, as his recent title win has seen him rise to a new career-high ranking of World No.14.

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Top 10 breakthrough possible by the end of the year, says Arias

Having conquered clay, Shelton could be seen as a threat at every tournament. Arias believes the Atlanta native has the potential to improve and better his performance last season, leading to him becoming one of the 10 best players in the world by the 2024 US Open.

"I’d be shocked if he is not in the top 10 by the US Open," predicted Arias.

Shelton gained notoriety at last year's Flushing Meadows event, reaching the semifinals behind an inspired performance. The American would fall to 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets, but catapulted into the top 20 following his success in New York.