ATP Tour

Shelton's sizzling ace that clipped courtside fan wins July's Stella Artois ATP Perfect Serve

Power, spin and unpredictability make Ben Shelton’s serve one of the most dangerous weapons on the ATP Tour — and the lefty packed all three into a single swing to claim July’s fan-voted Stella Artois ATP Perfect Serve.

Shelton’s winning moment came in Washington, D.C., where the 22-year-old curled a wicked ace down the T that kicked up into the stands and appeared to nick a front-row spectator's leg. The rare moment sparked laughs from the crowd — and a quick apology from Shelton, “My bad!” he said to the fan.

Adding to the intrigue, chair umpire Jimmy Pinoargote hilariously warned fans about incoming balls just seconds before Shelton stepped to the line and delivered the booming serve against Gabriel Diallo. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you are sitting in the first row, when the players are serving, please pay attention,” Pinoargote said. “The ball is coming really fast.”

The Stella Artois ATP Perfect Serve award gives fans the chance to vote for their favourite magical moments from the line. Stella Artois, one of the world's leading premium beer brands, is a Gold Partner and Official Beer of the ATP Tour through 2028. Visit our hub for the ATP Perfect Serve brought to you by Stella Artois to learn more.

At a career-high No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Shelton will look to keep firing more unreturnable serves at the US Open.