What Rod Laver said about Ben Shelton back in 2023 as he now reaches the Australian Open semi-final

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Ben Shelton has landed a maiden Australian Open semi-final spot after a superb quarter-final win over Lorenzo Sonego.

Sam Querrey tipped Shelton to beat Sonego, and the 22-year-old obliged with a 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) triumph.

Rod Laver Arena played host to the Australian Open clash between ATP number 20 Shelton and number 55 Sonego, which lasted almost four hours.

Shelton got goosebumps from the Australian Open crowd during his fourth round win over Gael Monfils, with the fans having been equally electric during his quarter-final victory.

The American, who also has a US Open semi-final to his name, now takes on world number one Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

Rod Laver predicted Ben Shelton to win a Grand Slam back in 2023

His run in Melbourne has undoubtedly surprised many, but his rise will come as no surprise to legendary figure Rod Laver.

Having hosted a Q&A on X on the last day of the Laver Cup in September 2023, Laver was asked about his favourite young players in tennis.

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The Australian replied: “Shelton is the new player on the tour. We’re going to see him winning a Slam, he’s got one of the biggest serves, a big left-hander, he doesn’t make many mistakes. He sees an opening and he goes for it.”

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Laver’s high praise of Shelton immediately came to light at the 2023 Laver Cup, where the American joined compatriot Frances Tiafoe in winning all three of his matches.

He clinched six points for Team World as they thrashed Team Europe 13-2 in Vancouver, with one singles win and two doubles wins.

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Shelton has certainly enjoyed great success on the ATP Tour despite his brief career, having won two titles so far.

The 22-year-old, who once reached a career-high 13th in the world, emerged victorious in Tokyo in 2023 and Houston in 2024.

Climbing his current rank of 20th will now be the goal, along with really pushing on his Grand Slam career, which he is doing expertly in Melbourne.

Shelton has been full of energy and enthusiasm at the Australian Open so far, with such characteristics now needed to be taken to another level in order to get past Sinner.