1976 US Open runner-up Pam Shriver believes Ben Shelton is capable of doing big things but also admits she fears the 23-year-old could pick up a chronic injury and have aJuan Martin del Potro fate.
After making the Australian Open semifinal at the start of the year, Shelton lifted his maiden Masters title in Toronto. Going into the US Open, some considered the home player as a dark horse for the title at Flushing Meadows - and rightfully so - considering how well he had been playing. But then, the world No. 6 saw his US Open run end in the first round after a left shoulder injury forced him to retire.
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Anyone familiar with Shelton's game knows that he has a big serve and that it is one of his biggest assets.
Addressing Shelton's injury, Shriver - a former world No. 3 - noted that the American puts a lot into his serve. And knowing what happened to certain big hitters in the past, the American tennis legend fears that it may lead to a chronic left shoulder issue.
Shriver: Can Shelton's body hold up to the demands of his powerful lefty serve?
All eyes are on Ben Shelton. If he can continue his progress in 2026 and 2027, will he be right in the mix to win Majors? Probably, but can his body hold up to the demands of what his lefty serve, its 150 mph, hes so strong, but youre only as your Achilles heel, and I just hope that the serving arm can hold the strain that he puts it through," Shriver said on The Inside-In Tennis Podcast.
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You look at Juan Martin del Potro as an example of the modern game. I dont think anybody has hit a forehand harder. I dont think anyone punched harder than Del Potro, but his body couldnt withstand it, so thats going to happen. Players who have won Majors have picked up chronic injuries that they cant get over.
Del Potro was only 20 when he won the 2009 US Open. Then, the Argentine started to deal with constant and serious injuries, which led to him going under the knife several times and being sidelined numerous times before officially retiring last year.
Meanwhile, Shelton made a comeback at the ongoing Shanghai Masters, and lost to David Goffin in his opening match.
