Ben Shelton is currently enjoying an unprecedented run of form, having claimed the title in Toronto and not slowed down.
He continues to carve through the competition, and is now set to face Alexander Zverev for a spot in the Cincinnati Open semi-finals.
Whilst every year since his breakthrough has been impressive, this feels like a real watershed one for the 22-year-old, claiming the biggest trophy of his career to date in preparation for the final Grand Slam of the year, in his home country.
Ben Shelton is guaranteed support, and his energetic, enthralling brand of tennis will only add to the atmosphere whenever he steps on court.
Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
However, what seems to have really shone through in recent weeks is his desire to win, and the lengths he is willing to go to achieve that.
Just by showing up in Cincinnati, after a gruelling week of action in Canada, emphasises this.
What Bryan Shelton said about Ben Shelton’s desire to win
However, it is what Shelton has done since playing in Cincinnati that has really stunned these pundits, with Lindsay Davenport and Nick Monroe both lauding their compatriot.
After all, he is once again making matches against tough opponents look like simple victories, and that is a skill in itself.
One piece of insight, offered by Monroe, actually delved into how Bryan Shelton, father and coach of the new world number six, has even been taken aback by his son’s work ethic.
He revealed, speaking on the Tennis Channel Live podcast: “To go along with that, I was texting with his dad earlier this morning, and I said, ‘How is he feeling?’ And he goes, ‘Well, he went back out to practice after being Bautista-Agut yesterday,’ and he said, ‘That was Ben’s doing.’
“He was the one who wanted to go hit balls, and he’s so hungry. You know, he talked about winning there in Toronto the next day, he was here practising already the next day, here at night, but he wanted to hit balls after the match to get used to the heat.
“So to go along with it, he’s so hungry right now, and it’s great to see.”
This came after Davenport pinpointed what’s impressed her most about Shelton over the last two weeks.
Ben Shelton is part of the US Davis Cup superteam
As he continues his fine form, Shelton has also seemingly agreed to be a part of America’s Davis Cup team, due to take part in the competition in September.
He is a part of a supremely strong line-up for the US, including the likes of Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.
They will compete in the qualifiers against a strong Czechia side, also comprising stars like Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka.
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images for Laver Cup
However, given the strength in depth that Shelton and his compatriots boast, it’s worth wondering if anyone can beat them.
Should they win, they will then advance to the eight-nation Davis Cup Finals, held in November.