Ben Shelton: A Rising Star in Tennis
Ben Shelton, known for his vibrant persona on the tennis court, often garners attention, particularly for his spirited use of Spanish during matches. The young ATP talent recently shared the story behind his enthusiastic shouts of “vamos,” which translates to “let’s go” in English.
Passion and Energy on the Court
Ranked among the more passionate competitors in tennis, Shelton’s energy has captivated fans witnessing his rapid ascent in the sport over the past few years. However, his exuberance has also ruffled the feathers of some fellow players who find his antics a tad excessive.
Celebrating with Spanish Influence
Shelton’s use of Spanish is a unique aspect of his celebrations—he frequently exclaims “vamos” after winning points, games, sets, or even matches. This choice of language is not arbitrary but rather rooted in his experiences at the University of Florida, where he played for the Gators before turning professional. In a feature on the ATP’s website, he explained that the influence of his Spanish-speaking teammates shaped his use of this expression.
“I had a few Spanish-speaking teammates on my team at Florida who are some of my best friends, and it just became a thing for all of us on the team,” he shared.
This background helps clarify the context of his celebratory expression, showcasing a tradition formed among friends rather than mere impulsiveness.
Support from Teammates
Andres Andrade, a former Ecuadorian teammate of Shelton’s, endorses this practice. He appreciates that Shelton continues to celebrate with his box in this fashion during ATP matches and believes it has a positive impact on his performance. Andrade noted:
“He’s always said it. He copied it from some of us on the team who used to celebrate like that, and he’s said it ever since… I think it’s great that he shouts and celebrates like that. It’ll help you win a lot of matches.”
Another teammate, Abdullah Shelbayh, reflected on Shelton’s innate confidence and resilience. He stated that Shelton has always had a hunger for success and an unwavering belief in his abilities, qualities that have undoubtedly aided his recent breakthroughs on the tour.
2025: A Landmark Year
In the current tennis season, 2025 has proven to be a landmark year for Shelton, marked by his triumph at the Canadian Open, where he clinched his first 1000-level title against Karen Khachanov. This victory came amid a thrilling atmosphere as fans celebrated another player from Toronto, highlighting the fervor of the sport.
Notably, this tournament saw the absence of leading players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have dominated the men’s game since 2024. Although Shelton has shown substantial growth, he has faced challenges against these top contenders, with three of his four Grand Slam exits to Alcaraz and Sinner, and one match hampered by his own injury at the 2025 US Open. Despite his progress, the two champions remain at the pinnacle of the sport, setting a high bar for Shelton and other emerging talent.
