Ben Shelton reacts honestly to ex-pro Steve Johnson’s bold college tennis claim against American

Ben Shelton recently reacted to a bold claim made by Steve Johnson. The claim revolved around what the result would be if Shelton and Johnson locked horns in college tennis. Shelton turned pro after a successful college tennis spell from 2020 to 2022 for the Florida Gators, during which he helped the Gators to their maiden team national championship in 2021 and also secured several prestigious individual accolades.

On a recent episode of the Nothing Major podcast, which is co-hosted by multiple American former ATP stars, Johnson claimed he would easily beat Shelton if their respective college tennis avatars faced each other.

“I chop him (Shelton) down, no problem. I’m not losing that match. I didn’t lose for two years dude,” Johnson said.

The now 35-year-old’s college tennis days for the University of Southern California Trojans are the stuff of legend. He became two-time NCAA Singles Champion, a seven-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American, and also helped the Trojans to team titles spanning his four years representing them.

Trending

However, according to Johnson, Ben Shelton would emerge victorious if the two met in their respective primes on the ATP Tour. The former No. 21 opined that Shelton is already a force to be reckoned with and still has some way to go before his level peaks.

"Prime Ben Shelton on (the ATP) Tour takes down Steve Johnson prime pretty handily. If we're going to flip the script, we'll go tour here, since Ben hasn't even gotten close to his prime," Johnson added.

Shelton, the current ATP No. 6, took notice of Steve Johnson's take on Instagram and reacted to it in the comments, agreeing with the American former ATP star.

"He takes me out for sure," Shelton wrote.

Ben Shelton recently marked his most glorious achievement on the ATP Tour so far in his pro career with a Masters 1000 title triumph

Earlier this month, Ben Shelton won his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada. The 22-year-old faced the much more significantly experienced Karen Khachanov in the final and fell a set behind to the Russian. However, the American roared back into the contest and ultimately registered a 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory.

Shelton's latest outing came in a straight-set quarterfinal loss to World No. 3 Alexander Zverev at the Cincinnati Open. Up next for the youngster is this year's US Open, where is he is set to feature in both men's singles and mixed doubles action.

First up for Shelton at Flushing Meadows is a first-round mixed doubles clash alongside compatriot Taylor Townsend, with the all-American duo slated to lock horns with Holger Rune and Amanda Anisimova.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

About the author

Sudipto Pati

Sudipto is a Tennis journalist at Sportskeeda holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He has an experience of 3+ years across the market research, travel, health, lifestyle and sports sectors.

Sudipto has followed Tennis since the early 2000s and stays up-to-date with the sport by following both active and former Tennis players, and seasoned journalists. He also follows ATP and WTA updates, watches documentaries and interviews of professionals, and only reads esteemed publications. He sources all information for his articles only from credible publications stays away from unsubstantiated claims. In just a matter of 3 months, he has gained a readership of almost 2 million at Sportskeeda!

Sudipto admires Rafael Nadal for his fiercely competitive on-court nature and his ability to make memorable comebacks after injury layoffs. The Spaniard may be the GOAT for him, but he also respects the accomplishments of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Beyond Tennis, Sudipto also has an interest in music, football, and video games alongside cooking and traveling.

Know More