Okay, so I’ve been following this tennis player, Ben Shelton, for a while now. Let me tell you, this guy’s journey is something else. I mean, it all started when I was watching some college tennis highlights, you know, just casually browsing, and boom! There’s this young dude playing for the Florida Gators, and I’m like, “Who’s this?” Turns out, it’s Ben Shelton, a freshman at the time, back in 2021.
Fast forward to May, and I see this same guy lifting the NCAA National Singles Title. It felt kind of crazy to witness it. Like watching a local kid make it big. Then I started digging a bit more, he was born in 2002, and now he’s in the big leagues. I mean, he’s ranked number 13 in the world as of August 19, 2024! That is quite a jump.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. I was reading about how he manages to stay on top of his game, traveling all over the place, and apparently, he’s flying private. Yeah, private jets! Makes sense, though, right? This way, he avoids all the hassle of commercial flights, gets to places feeling fresh, and is ready to smash it on the court.
Then I found out about his earnings. Over $4 million just from prize money! Plus, he’s got some sweet sponsorship deals. Like, he’s wearing gear from On, the brand backed by Federer. His rackets are from Yonex, and he’s even got a deal with Rolex. Kid’s living the dream!
But here’s the kicker, and something I found really cool: the guy’s smart off the court too. He was a finance major at the University of Florida and switched to an online business degree when he turned pro. He’s not just hitting balls; he’s involved in the business side of things, which, honestly, is pretty impressive.
It is quite a journey, right? From college courts to private jets and big-time sponsorships. It’s a story of hard work, for sure, but also smart moves and making the most of opportunities.
- Started playing college tennis for the Florida Gators in 2021.
- Won the NCAA National Singles Title in May.
- Currently ranked 13th in the world by the ATP.
- Earned over $4 million in prize money.
- Uses private jets to travel, which helps him stay in top form.
- Sponsored by On, Yonex, and Rolex.
- Studied finance and switched to an online business degree.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve gathered:
So, yeah, that’s Ben Shelton’s story as I’ve been following it. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m definitely keeping an eye on where he goes from here. It’s not just about the talent, but the dedication and the smarts off the court that make his journey so fascinating to me.