World No 6 Ben Shelton back for ASB Classic
- Dave Worsley
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 17
World No 6 ranked Ben Shelton has confirmed he will return to the ASB Classic in Auckland in the New Year.
The American, who turned 23 last week, will be making his fourth straight appearance at the ASB Classic, after competing in his first overseas ATP Tour tournament in Auckland in 2023.
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The 1.93m left-hander has enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season, jumping 15 spots to World No. 6 on the back of his first ATP 1000 victory in Toronto, semifinal at the Australian Open, quarterfinals at Wimbledon, Indian Wells and Cincinnati plus round of 16 at Roland Garros.
Shelton believes that the city and the tennis environment in Auckland works for him.
“For me it's been great preparation, great matches, and a place that I feel comfortable,” said Shelton of Auckland and the ASB Classic.
“I think that to start the year it's nice to be somewhere that you're comfortable and feels like home. I enjoy playing there.
“And I've played well in the Australian Open after that tournament, and it's one that I'd like to keep coming back to.”
Shelton was ranked 96 in the world when he took his first venture outside of USA to compete at the ASB Classic in 2023, and will return as one of the most exciting players in the world.
“We could not be more delighted to welcome Ben, along with his father and coach Bryan, back to Auckland and to the ASB Classic,” said Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin.
“We have all watched with real pride and excitement as Ben has moved into the select group at the top of world tennis. And we are so thrilled and proud that he and Bryan have chosen to start their 2026 year right here in Auckland.
“It is remarkable to see how Ben first came as a Wild Card entry and four years later, he has established himself into the Top 10.”
The Atlanta-born American, who enjoyed a successful College career at the University of Florida under the coaching of his father, turned professional in 2022.
“Having your dad as your coach can be complicated. We’ve seen that in sports time and time again.
“We have a great relationship. And for a relationship like this to work, you must respect each other as father and son and player and coach. I think we have the ultimate respect for each other and that is the reason we work well together.”
Shelton moved on to the world stage in 2023 where he reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and semifinal at the US Open along with a breakthrough title win in the Tokyo 500 event.
His 2024 season was highlighted with a top-16 finish at Wimbledon after reaching the semifinals in Auckland, while this year his game has reached new heights, currently enjoying a 37-18 win-loss record.
Shelton is currently in contention to qualify for his first ATP Tour Finals in Turin, Italy next month, which comprises the top eight male players in the world.