Tommy Paul on fast-rising Ben Shelton: "I knew he was going to be good"

Ben Shelton’s rapid rise up the rankings—from No. 96 in January to a Top 20 breakthrough in September—has been one of the biggest storylines in the 2023 season, amid a banner season for American tennis.

And while there is plenty of love to go around on Team USA, according to Tommy Paul, their collective success has brought a fair bit of healthy competition, too.

The world No. 12 said he wasn’t exactly surprised by what the big-hitting 20-year-old has managed to achieve on his first full season on tour, as Paul chatted with press after notching a comfortable opening victory on Saturday at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

“I didn't know Ben too much, like, when he was 17 or younger, but I knew his dad a bit,” Paul recalled.

“When he first came on the tour—I mean, I wouldn't say I took him under my wing or anything—but I like the kid, and I knew he was going to be good.”

Paul has since gotten a closer look at the powerful Shelton game during the latter's rise up the rankings, having met twice in 2023 and splitting their matches at a win apiece. In the Australian Open quarterfinals, Paul edged past in four sets en route to his first Grand Slam semifinal. And in the US Open fourth round, it was Shelton who returned the favor, winning in four to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.

But beyond their growing rivalry, Paul and Shelton have also teamed up during Laver Cup—which saw an American-heavy Team World sweep to one-sided victory in Vancouver.

“It's fun having him around,” Paul said. “He's definitely young. He's got that young-kid energy, so it's a lot of fun, especially with the group of older guys that we have now. I mean, it's weird to call us older guys, but, like, coming up with Foe and Fritz, we just have a bunch of good players.

“It's cool to have that young guy come in and really push us. It's almost bringing us together in a way.”

In Shanghai, No. 12 seed Paul eased past Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-0 to reach the third round, where he awaits the winner of No. 20 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Arthur Fils.

Shelton, the No. 19 seed, defeated Jaume Munar 6-4, 6-4 in his opening match, and will face Roman Safiullin in the third round.