"I see Ben Shelton in the top 5 in the world if he keeps progressing " - John McEnroe predicts big 'breakthrough' for young American

Tennis great John McEnroe has touted Ben Shelton to become a top-5 player. The duo are currently representing Team World at the ongoing Laver Cup in Berlin.

All has not been smooth sailing for Shelton at Laver Cup 2024, as he lost his singles match against Carlos Alcaraz, 6-4, 6-4, on September 21. The loss notwithstanding, Team World captain John McEnroe has been pleased with the progress Ben Shelton has made in his career.

During a post-match press conference, the former World No. 1 predicted that the young American could break into the top 5 of the ATP Rankings. McEnroe praised Shelton's raw ability and noted that he has made considerable strides in his career over the past year.

"I see Ben in the top 5 in the world if he keeps progressing. I think he's got the ability. He wants it. He's worked at it. He's better than he was to me a year ago, more complete," the 65-year-old said.

While talking about the future of US men's tennis, John McEnroe appeared pretty optimistic. The seven-time singles Grand Slam champion noted that several men from his country have made deep runs at Grand Slams in recent years, with Taylor Fritz reaching the final at the 2024 US Open, and believes one of them is bound to win a Grand Slam in the next couple of years.

"But I think he's going to be up there with those guys, and that would be great. You know, I think American tennis is getting closer. You saw Taylor was in the final. Frances has been in a couple semis. Ben's been in the semis. We're going to make the breakthrough. Ben, I believe, is going to make a breakthrough in the next couple of years," he stated.

Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton are among seven US players in the top 50 of ATP Rankings

American men's tennis has been well represented in recent years, with seven players from the nation currently placed inside the top 50 of the ATP Rankings.

World No. 7 Taylor Fritz is the highest-ranked American in the ATP Rankings and recently became the first man from his nation to reach a Grand Slam final in 15 years at the 2024 US Open.

World No. 13 Tommy Paul, No. 15 Sebastian Korda, No. 16 Frances Tiafoe, No. 17 Ben Shelton, No. 39 Brandon Nakashima, No. 45 Marcos Giron, and No. 47 Alex Michelsen are the other Americans in the top 50 of ATP Rankings.

Moreover, on the 2024 ATP Tour, Americans have won six titles so far. Tommy Paul won the Dallas Open and Queen's Club Championships while Taylor Fritz emerged victorious at the Delray Beach Open. Ben Shelton won the US Men's Clay Court Championships, and Marcos Giron won the Hall of Fame Open in Newport. Sebastian Korda won his maiden ATP 500 event at the Citi Open.