Ben Shelton is back in action this week at the Italian Open, where the fifth seed starts out in the second round.
Shelton is currently ranked sixth on the ATP Tour, and is looking to build his game on clay as the French Open approaches.
He boasts a hugely impressive two titles already this season, having emerged victorious on the hard courts of Dallas and the clay courts of Munich.
The American is now putting all of his focus on Rome, but he has incidentally just been confirmed for another important event later this year.
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Ben Shelton confirmed for 2026 Laver Cup
Shelton has been confirmed for participation in the 2026 Laver Cup, where he will compete for Team World.
The team event, which was created by Roger Federer, is scheduled to take place at The O2 in London at the end of September.
Shelton’s fellow American Taylor Fritz has already been confirmed for Team World, as has Australian ace Alex de Minaur.
But Team Europe have also announced a very strong start to their side in the form of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.
Shelton is a five-time champion on the ATP Tour, with the 23-year-old having claimed 128 wins in his exciting career so far.
Ben Shelton excited to link up with Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter
Shelton is set to play a key role for Team World, who are led by captain Andre Agassi and vice captain Pat Rafter.
He referenced the two legends when sharing his delight at his upcoming appearance, as per the Laver Cup website.
“It’s always an honor to be part of Team World,” he said.
“Getting the chance to spend a week with legends like Andre and Pat, learning from them and competing alongside this group, is something I really value and that you don’t get anywhere else.
“I’ve got some great memories from Laver Cup already and I’m excited to get back out there in London with the guys.”
Shelton has appeared at the Laver Cup in 2023 and 2024, winning six of his eight matches and claiming 12 points for Team World.
Incidentally, The O2 has quite the relationship with the Laver Cup, having played host to the final match of Federer’s glittering career in 2022.
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