Ben Shelton, the rising American star in men’s tennis, is set to join Team World for the 2026 Laver Cup, adding excitement to an already impressive roster. The tournament is scheduled to take place at The O2 Arena in London from September 25 to September 27.
Currently ranked sixth in the world, Shelton made waves in the tennis community with his outstanding performance at the 2023 US Open, where he reached the semifinals. Now, he is eager to bring his energy and skill back to the Laver Cup, where he will join fellow compatriots Taylor Fritz, ranked seventh, and Alex de Minaur, who is eighth in the world.
On the other side, Team Europe has already announced the participation of top players, including world number two Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, ranked third, ensuring a fiercely competitive atmosphere with five of the top ten players confirmed for the event.
Single-session tickets for fans will go on sale on May 15 at 10:00 AM BST through AXS, the official ticketing partner for The O2.
Showcasing an explosive left-handed playing style, Shelton has made significant strides this season, securing two titles in Dallas and Munich out of five career victories. He expressed his enthusiasm about being part of Team World, saying, “It’s always an honor…Learning from them and competing alongside this group is something I really value.”
Shelton, who was crowned NCAA Division I singles champion while at the University of Florida, will make his third appearance at the Laver Cup. He has previously recorded an admirable 6-2 match record in the competition, playing a crucial role in Team World’s victory in Vancouver, where he excelled in all his matches. His absence from last year’s event in San Francisco due to injury adds extra motivation for him to shine in London.
This iteration of the Laver Cup will mark Shelton’s first time competing under the leadership of Team World Captain Andre Agassi and Vice Captain Pat Rafter. Agassi expressed his excitement about Shelton joining the team, noting the dynamic player’s talent and the infectious energy he brings both on and off the court. He also highlighted a personal connection, reflecting on his past matches against Shelton’s father, Bryan.
The upcoming Laver Cup in London holds special significance, as it returns to The O2, the venue famous for hosting Roger Federer’s last match alongside his long-time rival Rafael Nadal and comparable legends Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in 2022. As anticipation builds for the event, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Shelton and his teammates will perform in what promises to be yet another thrilling chapter in Laver Cup history.
