'I think the next couple of months on clay.....' - Jimmy Connors makes bombshell prediction on Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton surpassed Taylor Fritz and became the highest-ranked American for the first time in the PIF ATP Rankings today. The 21-year-old is enjoying his second full season on the ATP Tour, ranking at a career-high World No. 14. World No. 15 Taylor Fritz, who had held the title since surpassing fellow countryman Reilly Opelka in March 2022, surrendered it to Shelton. 

Shelton is the youngest American No. 1 after Andy Roddick in March 2004. Notably, just seven Americans, including him, have achieved this distinction before turning 22. In addition, the other six players—Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Roddick, and Pete Sampras—have all attained the number one rank in the PIF ATP Rankings. Only Connors and McEnroe, two other lefties, are currently the No. 1 players in America. Since McEnroe in February 1990, Shelton is the first left-hander to achieve that feat.

Meanwhile, Connors recently appraised the 21-year-old's chances of success throughout the following two months. Notably, the former  ATP World No. 1 thinks he will be able to play his best tennis on both clay and grass. Shelton has done well under his father's guidance, but in October of last year, Connors hinted at potential interpersonal issues between the two. The eight-time Grand Slam champion compared the relationship he had with his late mother, Gloria, who worked as his coach.

 I think these next couple of months, he's going to reach the pinnacle: Connors

"I think the next couple of months on clay, whatever it does for him, it's got to get him in good shape, that's one thing for sure. If he can get in there and get stuck in and play some matches and have some success, as he had shown in Houston, but then going to the grass. I think these next couple of months, he's going to reach the pinnacle if he looks after himself and his game," Connors said during a recent episode of the Advantage Connors podcast.

"His  [Shelton's] dad is his coach and who has the experience of being out on the tour and playing himself. So, you know their ego again, which is good. I know how it was with my mom. Sometimes, that could be a tough relationship if you are listening to your mom or you are listening to your dad and they're trying to coach you to become a better player," he added further.