The American Ben Shelton sails in the round of 16 at Wimbledon 2025

One day after having finished his Wimbledon match in the second round in about a minute, the American Ben Shelton was almost as effective on Saturday against Marton Fucsovics, winning straight sets to reach the 16th year at the All England Club for a second consecutive year.

At 22, Shelton, who made the semi-finals of the Australian Open and the fourth round to Roland Garros, is the youngest American to make three major appearances of 16 years in a year since Andy Roddick did it in 2004, just after her 22nd birthday.

Shelton has also become the fourth American in the past 20 years to win his first three Wimbledon games in two sets, after Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz in 2022, and Roddick in 2007.

Shelton, who recently made the ATP top 10, and Fritz are the only American men who stay in the draw. They are opposite sides, with the Fritz with a fifth seeded to face the Jordan Thompson of Australia on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Shelton about the 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory, which he closed in 2 hours. “It is always special to play here in Wimbledon … Court 1 is a special court.”

He then added: “I try to go to the central court – maybe I will get there one day.”

Shelton spoke in an interview on the field in front of a crowd that included her sister, Emma, ​​and her girlfriend, the star of the American national football team Trinity Rodman.

“I’m playing well this week. It’s not just me here. I have a big team. My parents are there. My girlfriend is here. In addition, my sister is here. She is here for every match that I have played this tournament so far. She has been lucky,” said Shelton. “But she has work in the United States, starting on Monday. She works for Morgan Stanley.”

This attracted hoots of spectators while Emma covered his face with his hands.

“If one of you has all (connections) and get her a few additional days so that she can (stay and) we can continue to ride,” said Shelton, “it would be great.”

Indeed, a few hours later, Emma published a short video on Instagram in which Ben is heard asking her: “Did you get the week or what?” She jumps from top to bottom with her arms raised and a large smile, and Ben says: “Shouts, Morgan Stanley.”

The legend reads “Thank you MS” with three emojis from Blue Heart and “Return Flight: cancelled”.

Through three games at the All England Club, Shelton played 6 hours and 41 minutes. His opponent the next round, Lorenzo Sonego from Italy, played 5 hours and 4 minutes on Saturday, and spent 9 hours and 49 minutes in the court for the tournament.

Shelton and Sonego played for the last time at the French Open, the Americans winning in five sets.

The ESPN research and the Associated Press contributed to this report.