"We are definitely getting there" - Ben Shelton sends warning to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz ahead of 2025 season

American tennis star Ben Shelton believes he and his compatriots are slowly closing the gap on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who both dominated the Grand Slam picture this year.

Sinner ended the 2024 season with two Grand Slam titles, winning the Australian Open and US Open. Conversely, Alcaraz also proved to be a force to be reckoned with at Majors, lifting the title at both the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships in 2024.

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American tennis is catching up to the dominant duo, says Shelton

Following a season that saw several Americans make noise on the ATP circuit, Shelton believes his countrymen were getting closer to Sinner and Alcaraz. American Taylor Fritz had his best season on tour this year, finishing runner-up at the US Open and ATP Finals, in addition to ending the year at a career-high ranking of World No.4.

"The current American group is doing better and better every year," said Shelton in an interview with The Tennis Channel. "You saw Taylor Fritz at the US Open this year, you saw Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals as well.
"I was in the semifinals last year and I think we are continuing to improve. We have a Spaniard and an Italian to chase ahead of us but we are getting there, we are definitely getting there."

Alcaraz and Shelton squared off in an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden last week, with the Spaniard prevailing 4-6 6-2 10-7 in the sold-out encounter.