"We're going to see him winning a Slam" - Tennis legend Rod Laver's 2023 prediction about Ben Shelton on the verge of coming true

American tennis sensation Ben Shelton has surprised many after reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open. However, Aussie tennis legend Rod Laver had envisioned the Atlanta native's success almost two years ago.

Shelton overcame Italian Lorenzo Sonego in four sets to reach his maiden Australian Open semifinal. The 21st seed will face another Italian in the final four, as World No.1 Jannik Sinner awaits in what should be an enthralling showdown. Sinner holds a 4-1 lead in career meetings against the American, with the Italian winning their last four consecutive meetings.

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Laver believed in Shelton before many others

Although Shelton reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2023 US Open, many did not see the young American as a serious contender for Grand Slam success. However, Laver, during a Q&A session at the 2023 Laver Cup, picked Shelton as a future Grand Slam titlist.

"Shelton is the new player on the tour," wrote Laver when asked to list his favorite young players on tour at the time." We’re going to see him winning a Slam, he’s got one of the biggest serves, a big left-hander, he doesn’t make many mistakes. He sees an opening and he goes for it."

Shelton would go on to impress with a spectacular performance at the Laver Cup, earning six points for Team World, with one singles win and two doubles win as they cruised past Team Europe 13-2 in Vancouver. The 22-year-old, who once reached a career-high 13th in the world, would go on to win ATP titles at the 2023 Tokyo Open and again in Houston last year.

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