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BY: RAYGAN IRVIN
PUBLISHED: SEP 14, 2026 1:51 PM CT
The unfortunate loss of Ben Shelton’s 2026 US Open singles match with Alexander Zverez, is yet to be overshadowed because black history was made. Shelton made history as the first Black American man to reach a US Open final in more than a half century. Shelton joins the late Arthur Ashe as the only African American men to reach a Grand Slam Singles final.
Growing up in Hainesville, Florida, Shelton shares how he grew up surrounded by Black and Brown communities throughout his life heavily influencing his passions. Shelton’s historical impact on Black culture in Tennis is ongoing and exemplified through his wardrobe, music, and advocacy. Before his professional career, Shelton attended the University of Florida where he set the standard of colligate tennis, where he won the 2022 NCAA Singles Championship. With an ongoing legacy, Ben’s father Bryan Shelton, a former professional tennis player, and one of the most important figures in Ben’s career, reached a career high ATP 1992 singles ranking of No.55 in the world. A full circle moment of Black Legacy and Excellence in the Shelton Family.
As a young Black American tennis star following the footsteps of trailblazers like Arthur Ashe, Shelton represents a modern example for young and upcoming Black athletes. Shelton’s debut in professional tennis continues to make the sport culturally relevant to a new generation of diverse fans. Representation in white dominated sports holds value when black people make history within.
