“Tonight was the first night I felt like myself”: Ben Shelton feeling fresh and ready for Paris charge

Ben Shelton is back — and smiling again. After weeks of frustration following a shoulder injury that sidelined him just when his game was peaking, the American showed signs of his explosive best with a straight-sets win over Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, 7-6, 6-3, in the second round of the Paris Masters. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement of intent from one of the game’s most electric young stars.

Shelton, 23, has climbed to a career-high world No. 6 and sits sixth in the ATP Race to Turin, virtually locking in his debut appearance at the prestigious ATP Finals. With no points to defend in the season’s finale, the powerful lefty is in a prime position to continue his rise and potentially close 2025 inside the world’s top five — an extraordinary finish for a player whose journey this season has been anything but smooth.

After withdrawing from the US Open due to a shoulder problem, Shelton’s comeback was gradual. He returned to competition at the Shanghai Masters, falling to David Goffin in the first round, and later exited in the second round of the Swiss Indoors against Jaume Munar. But Paris seems to have brought a turning point. Against Cobolli, Shelton served with precision, moved with confidence, and, most importantly, played with joy again.

“Honestly, tonight was the first match I’ve felt great since coming back after the U.S. Open,” Shelton said in his post-match chat on Tennis Channel. “I’ve been putting a lot of time in on the practice court, trying to get right, feel right, and feel explosive in my movement. Tonight was the first night I felt like myself.”

When asked about the mental and emotional toll of his injury, Shelton offered a mature and grounded response. “It’s tough, but you’ve always got to be grateful and keep God first,” he said. “I’ve been a very blessed individual. I took that time to reflect and realise how privileged I am to do what I do.”

Those reflections seem to have paid off. Shelton admitted he was “sitting at home watching the US Open on TV,” feeling both the sting of missing out and the motivation to return stronger. Now, with renewed energy, he’s feeling “happy, healthy and ready to keep pushing” — an ideal mindset heading into the season’s closing stretch.

Despite the notoriously slower conditions in Paris, Shelton’s booming serve remained a lethal weapon. “I think it’s tough for guys to speed me up,” he said. “I was really effective with my serve tonight, getting a lot of free points. Then I was able to make it difficult on the other guy’s serve — push him deep in rallies, make him feel like he had to do something special to win the point.”

Shelton’s ability to blend power with improved rally tolerance makes him even more dangerous indoors. His footwork and defensive range, areas he has worked on consistently in practice, were evident against Cobolli. “Once I get on that match court, it’s just a war,” he said. “You’ve got to keep working, or you get left behind with how many talented guys there are.”

With only a few matches left before the season wraps up, Shelton’s focus remains on finishing strong. Sitting sixth in the Race, his qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin is almost certain, marking a major career milestone. Next, he faces 12th seed Andrey Rublev in the round of 16 — a matchup that promises fireworks between two of the tour’s fiercest shot-makers.

Whether or not he goes deep in Paris, Shelton’s outlook remains steady. “My life’s not going to change,” he said. “I’m going to go back to Orlando, work hard, and get ready for Australia. I’m just enjoying being back playing, trying to get myself to full flight — because that’s when I have the most fun on the tennis court.”

As the American power server continues his charge, one thing is certain: Big Ben is ringing loudly again — and the rest of the ATP Tour is on alert.