Shelton joins Connors, McEnroe as lefties to reach American No. 1

Peter Staples/ATP Tour

Ben Shelton became the No. 1 American in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time today, on the heels of his recent Houston title. The 21-year-old, in just his second full season on the ATP Tour, sits at a career-high World No. 14.

Shelton claimed the honour from Taylor Fritz, who held that distinction since he moved ahead of countryman Reilly Opelka in March 2022.

Shelton, who turns 22 in October, is the youngest American No. 1 since Andy Roddick in March 2004. He is one of only seven Americans to earn the honour before their 22nd birthday. The other six — Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Roddick and Pete Sampras — have all reached the top spot in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Only two other lefties have risen to American No. 1: Connors and McEnroe. Shelton is the first lefty to earn that status since McEnroe in February 1990.

"It kind of feels like it just came out of nowhere," Shelton said of the honour, as quoted on USTA.com. "The next thing I knew I was being told I was going to be the next No. 1 American.

"Just knowing where I was two years ago to now, it's pretty wild to think of that journey. I'm proud of myself, but know I've got lots more to work on and improve."

Watch Highlights: Shelton wins Houston title

One year ago this week, Shelton was World No. 37 and the No. 5 American. Now he is the top player from his country and charging towards the Top 10.

The former college standout at the University of Florida earned 720 PIF ATP Rankings points for his 2023 US Open semi-final run, as well as 500 for winning his maiden ATP Tour title in Tokyo last October. Just eight days ago, he lifted his first clay-court tour-level trophy in Houston.

As the clay swing continues, Shelton has a golden opportunity to rise even higher in the PIF ATP Rankings. During the clay-court season he will drop just 100 points currently counting in his rankings breakdown. As of Monday, he is 1,150 points outside of the Top 10, with Grigor Dimitrov currently occupying the No. 10 spot.