US Open 2023: Ben Shelton aiming to shock Novak Djokovic in New York

When Ben Shelton reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in January, it was the first time the young American had travelled outside of the United States.

Now Shelton is increasing his global reputation back on home soil after going one step further at the US Open.

The 20-year-old from Atlanta has wowed the home crowds – with serve speeds touching 150mph, demonstrative celebrations and an infectious smile – on his way to the semi-finals.

“He’s electric, no doubt about it. But he’s still very raw,” said American former player Jeff Tarango.

“He’s a huge part of America’s future – no doubt he will be top 10 in the world. He’s moving on to great things.”

Being “dialled in” – hence his picking-up-a-phone celebration when he clinched victory over Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals – has been the key to his success, Shelton says.

On Friday, the man widely considered the greatest player of all time is waiting at the end of line: Novak Djokovic.

The 36-year-old Serb, looking to create history by winning a 24th Grand Slam singles title to match Margaret Court’s all-time record, has seen off a host of young pretenders over recent years.

Tarango believes 47th-ranked Shelton, who hit a pair of aces clocking a tournament-high 149mph in his fourth-round win over Tommy Paul, has the capacity to cause problems for Djokovic.

“Tiafoe’s coach said Shelton brought a lot of things they hadn’t seen before and didn’t expect,” said Tarango, who will be analysing the semi-final for BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday (20:00 BST).

“That’s what he might be able to do against Djokovic – surprise him at a lot of levels.

“If he can bring that 149mph serve, that could take Djokovic’s best shot – his return of serve – away from him.”

While Shelton has the eye-catching shots, whether he has developed the technical and mental endurance to a level needed to beat Djokovic remains to be seen.

Shelton says the mental aspect of the game is what he has improved the most since losing to Paul in the Melbourne quarter-finals.

Since his breakthrough, it has been far from plain sailing.

Shelton did not win back-to-back matches between Melbourne and New York as he got to grips with the rigours of the ATP Tour, switching surfaces and travelling the world.

His father Bryan, a former ATP Tour professional who left his role as a college tennis coach in February to work full-time with his son, says Shelton’s “great experiences” over the past eight months are paying dividends.