A few short years ago going to college was not viewed as a desired career path for professional tennis players. Joining the professional tour at a younger age was desired. John Isner shattered some of that stigma, and now there are a lot of players, many Americans, who are opting to go to college first and play NCAA tennis before joining the pro ranks.
The most successful college player on the ATP Tour right now is Ben Shelton. Shelton played two seasons at Florida, helping his team win SEC regular season and championship titles, and he was the 2022 NCAA Singles Champion.
After his 2026 Australian Open first round match, Shelton was asked to explain the differences between college and pro tennis.
Ben Shelton gets it done! pic.twitter.com/LZA1LpVdrf
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 20, 2026
Shelton held nothing back.
What Ben Shelton Said
College tennis is a team sport.
Shelton emphasized that college tennis has a ten person team. The coach is not focused on one player, and he is trying to get the best out of everyone. No one is catered to a single player in college tennis which Shelton says is more likely in the pro ranks. He also talked about how each player on the team has to uplift his teammates for their matches.
Tennis is not 24/7.
Ben Shelton talked about the importance of doing the schoolwork to keep grades up to be eligible to play. He emphasized the importance of time management in keeping both the academic and athletic priorities in tact.
@tennischannel Speaking from experience 🧐 @Ben #tennisplayer #tennistiktok🎾 #tennistok #benshelton
Players have to be tough.
He said college players who make it on the pro tour are not soft. They need thick skin to play heated matches with rivals in their home courts.
Elliott Spizzirri referenced his college tennis experience at the Australian Open when he talked about facing the pro-Brazilian crowd fanbase that travels with Joao Fonseca.
Will Ben Shelton Be The First College Player To Win A Grand Slam Since John McEnroe?
Despite the rise and popularity of players participating in college tennis before turning pro, the last person to play college tennis and win a Grand Slam was John McEnroe in 1984. McEnroe played one season at Stanford in 1978. Stanford won the team championship, and McEnroe was the NCAA Singles Champion.
