1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski thinks Ben Shelton could make a splash at the upcoming Australian Open if he puts in the needed work this offseason and returns in 2026 with an improved game.
Shelton, who made the 2023 US Open semifinal before losing to Novak Djokovic, also reached his first Australian Open earlier this year. But the world No. 9 didn't have an answer for Jannik Sinner, who ousted him in straight sets en route to defending his title at Melbourne Park.
Half a year after enjoying a deep run in Melbourne, Shelton became a Masters champion in Toronto, and he was widely considered a dark horse for the US Open title. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old American, he picked up a shoulder injury and was forced to retire midway through his third-round match at Flushing Meadows.
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Overall, it was a positive 2025 for the American, who achieved a career-high ranking of No. 5 and proved once again that he was capable of making some noise on the biggest stage.
Rusedski: The wildcard I like is Shelton
The wildcard I like is Ben Shelton. What has he done in the offseason? Has he improved that backhand? Has he improved his court positioning? His dad won two ATP Tour titles. He has a lot of knowledge. Can he correct those little holes in his game because he has a lot of tools. He has broken into the top eight this year," Rusedski said on his newly launched podcast.
It is not a secret that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are widely regarded as the two top favorites for the Happy Slam title. Record 10-time champion Djokovic - who reached the semifinal this year before retiring due to a hamstring injury - is also someone to look out for.
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Fast hard courts suit Shelton's game and it will be interesting to see if the American can do some damage at Melbourne Park in January.
