Ben Shelton, fresh off his ATP Finals debut, shifts his offseason focus away from competitive tennis in a move that reflects his mindset following an underwhelming tournament finish after a breakthrough 2025 season. The American tennis star recently shared what he’s been up to following the end of his professional season through social media.
Ben Shelton’s Focus Shift Following ATP Finals Debut
Shelton’s first appearance at the ATP Finals in Turin arrived as a major milestone for the American, who had earned his place among the world’s elite through a remarkable breakthrough year. However, his debut at the year-end championship did not unfold as hoped.
Shelton finished his round-robin campaign winless, dropping all three matches without securing a single victory against Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Felix Auger-Aliassime. His loss to Auger-Aliassime came despite pushing hard in the second set, where he came within two points of a tiebreak victory before falling in three sets.
Instead of focusing entirely on tennis during his offseason, Shelton revealed through his Instagram story that he would be channelling his competitive energy elsewhere. The American posted a picture of himself working on basketball shots, specifically practising dunks, at Santa Clara University with the caption,
“Only working on the bunnies this offseason, nothing else.”
As Shelton spent his off-season on a basketball court, compatriot Emma Navarro also stepped away from tennis to explore a different sport. The former World No. 8 made a rare public appearance at the RSM Classic, where she took part in the event’s pro-am golf segment. Navarro shared a series of photos from the outing, giving fans a look at her time on the course as she wrapped up her 2025 season and enjoyed a relaxed break.
Shelton’s Remarkable 2025 Season
Despite the ATP Finals result, Shelton’s 2025 season stands out as one of significant achievement and growth. The American reached career-high milestones, climbing as high as No. 5 in the ATP Rankings and finishing the season inside the top 10, a breakthrough for the 23-year-old. His biggest triumph came at the Canadian Open, where he earned his first Masters 1000 title, joining the ranks as only the third left-hander to enter the ATP’s top five this century after Rafael Nadal and Jack Draper.
Shelton compiled a strong 40-24 match record and reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, marking his second Grand Slam semi-final after last year’s breakthrough. Other notable performances included a fourth-round run at Roland Garros and consistent play throughout the season despite a minor shoulder injury toward the end.
MORE: Ben Shelton’s Father Bryan’s Inclusion Triggers Tense Debate as Fans React to ATP Coach of the Year Nominees
His development has been marked by a powerful serve and improved tactical awareness on court. The steady climb since debuting in the top 10 at the end of June illustrates his capacity to adapt and overcome challenges.
Reflecting on his campaign, Shelton rated himself an “8 out of 10,” acknowledging the strides made and the work still ahead. His comments and actions indicate a healthy perspective, balancing pride in recent accomplishments with the drive to build on his foundation, both on and off the court.