Ben Shelton wins maiden honour in Houston

Ben Shelton on Sunday battled past defending champion Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 to triumph at the ATP 250 event to claim first title.

The 21-year-old became the youngest champion at the tournament since 19-year-old Andy Roddick in 2002.

“Great week Foe. Great job to you and your team,” Shelton said during the trophy ceremony. “I know this one stings, sorry you didn’t go back-to-back titles, but you’re that type of player who can go back to back. I want to see you do it again this year, hopefully in Stuttgart.”

The two Americans are close friends and this was their second Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting after last year’s US Open quarter-final, which Shelton won in four tight sets. Both men worked hard to find an advantage in the match, looking to take the initiative from one another during rallies.

“You’ve been such an inspiration to kids, people of colour in our sport, just an amazing representation,” Shelton said. “You’ve been that guy to always put on for us and always be selfless, thinking about others, kids younger than you. So thanks for everything that you do for our sport and people who look like you and me.”

Shelton’s father, former No. 55 in the PIF ATP Rankings Bryan Shelton, encouraged and coached his son throughout the week. Now both members of the Shelton family own two ATP Tour singles titles.

Shelton will climb to a career-high No. 14 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday, making him the No. 2 American behind only World No. 13 Taylor Fritz.