"It's almost like he's skipped a few grades": Tracy Austin heaps praise on rising American star, Ben Shelton

Rising American tennis star Ben Shelton is making waves on the ATP circuit this season, and his progress has been noted by many, including former World No.1 Tracy Austin.

Shelton was a staple on the ATP challenger circuit during the 2022 season, but had his breakthrough at last year's Cincinnati Masters where as a qualifier he defeated World No.4 Casper Ruud en route to a third round showing.

The Atlanta native has seen his stock rise since, and Austin believes he has yet to come anywhere close to his full potential.

"It's almost like he (Ben Shelton) has skipped a few grades, he's gone from 6th grade to high school," Austin said on the Tennis Channel. "Because you're playing Challengers in the Fall and now all of a sudden you're going to be off to Europe for the the first time and you're going to play on red clay against the grinders. You're playing against the Mussetti's, Davidovich Fokina's.

"Now the expectations are higher. The outcome? Who knows. But this is part of the process, gain that experience and become more comfortable. Break into the Top-50, the Top-30, I think he has that capability."