Former American tennis stars believe Ben Shelton has what it takes to reach Australian Open semifinal

American tennis ace Ben Shelton has displayed some spectacular tennis at the 2025 Australian Open, prompting retired compatriots John Isner and Sam Querrey to predict their younger countryman will advance to the final four at the event.

Already touted as the future of American tennis, Shelton has lived up to the expectation following his incredible run to the US Open semifinal two years ago. The 22-year old never fails to delight the crowd, using his huge serve and impressive lefty forehand to overpower his opponents.

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Shelton's confidence is key, says Querrey

On the latest episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Querrey and Isner, alongside retired countryman Steve Johnson, all believe Shelton will prevail in his quarterfinal bout against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, ensuring his spot in the semifinal.

"Ben is an animal," began Johnson. "The guy is an animal. The kid is an athlete and a physical freak in the best kind of way. He doesn’t get tired, he is going to go out there and compete.
“I would like Ben eight times out of 10, but being the favourite is not a normal position for him to be in in the quarter-final of a Slam so that is going to be a tricky thing to wrestle with mentally. But if he can get over that fact and not worry about that fact then, I think he gets it done. I think he might start a little slow, but I think Ben gets it done."

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"I don’t think it’s even a tricky one," added Querrey. "I think Ben gets it done. He has that mental edge, that cockiness. He is laying his head on a pillow tonight thinking I am in a quarter-final and playing Sonego. There’s zero chance I lose that game.
“Too good of a competitor, he is going to will himself to a match win. He is just going to refuse to lose to Sonego in the quarter-finals. Shelton is winning that every single time."

"I couldn’t agree more with that," said Isner. "I think this is one-way traffic for Mr. Shelton."

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