HOUSTON/STARNBERG, April 8, 2024
Ben Shelton claimed his second ATP Tour career title, defeated defending champion Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in Sunday’s final of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club in Houston.
The top seed of the ATP 250 clay-court event struck 11 aces, won 83 per cent of his first-service points and broke Tiafoe two times to seal victory in two hours and 16 minutes.
Statement made 🏆@BenShelton is an ATP Tour champion on clay!#USClay pic.twitter.com/4xF9uX7Jyr
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 7, 2024
“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 21-year-old is the seventh US-American champion in the last 10 editions of the tournament and the youngest US Clay winner since 19-year-old Andy Roddick in 2002. Shelton earned $100,635 in prize money as well as 250 ATP Ranking points reaching a new career-high of World No. 14.
Shelton is the second member of his family to win the singles title at River Oaks. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, was a River Oaks champion in 1992.
The 2025 Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship will be held March 29-April 6 at River Oaks Country Club in Houston.
