Ben Shelton‘s name will one day be synonymous with Tiger Woods and Serena Williams. He made history once again, becoming the youngest champion at ATP Houston since Andy Murray won at 19 in 2002.
History was made when Shelton faced off against one of his closest friends, Francis Tiafoe, for the second time in his young career. This was the first time in history that two African American men played in the Finals in the Open Era. Shelton won in the quarter-final of the US Open in four close sets.
On clay, Shelton came into the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships with a 2-7 tour-level record, and it was amazing that the American came in as the top seed and delivered. Shelton defeated Tiafoe in three sets in a competitive but lighthearted match.
The two friends shared smiles at some breakpoints and when the crowd got into the match more and more. During the trophy ceremony, Shelton thanked his friend and apologized for not allowing him to win back-to-back titles at the ATP Houston.
“You have been such an inspiration to kids, people of color in our sport,” Shelton told the crowd after making history. “You been that guy to always put on for us, being selfless. Thinking about others younger than you, so thanks for everything you do for our sport and the people that look like you and me.”
Check out the video below of Shelton.
