Ben Shelton names Jordan Lee as generational American tennis

Ben Shelton has named Jordan Lee as the young American player he is most excited about, calling him a generational prospect for his age. Shelton made the comment during an appearance on the Boardroom Talks podcast.

Lee is 16 years old and won the junior Wimbledon singles title this summer. He also reached the finals of the US nationals. Shelton said Lee is generational for his age.

Lee defeated Cruz Hewitt, the son of Lleyton Hewitt, in the Wimbledon junior singles final. As a result, Lee received a US Open qualifying wild card. Although he did not reach the main draw, Lee competed in qualifying at Flushing Meadows.

In the 2026 US Open qualifying, Lee won his first round match against Mark Lajal with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. He lost his second round match to Daniel Rincon, 3-6, 6-4, 1-6.

Lee faces a decision about whether to turn professional or play college tennis first. Shelton, who played college tennis for the Florida Gators from 2020 to 2022, said the experience helped him greatly.

Shelton questioned the value of college for elite young players who can earn significant money early. He noted that Nike is already paying him six figures despite being ranked 300 in the world. He sees 16-year-olds training in Orlando who are already competing in the second round of the US Open.

Shelton acknowledged that the college path has worked for some players but not others. He cited Joao Fonseca and Rafael Jodar, who committed to the University of Virginia. Fonseca left college after early ATP Tour success, while Jodar played only one year.

For elite talents like Lee, college may not be ideal, but Shelton said it can help players who need more time to develop. At 16, it remains unclear which path Lee will take.

Meanwhile, Shelton is advancing at the 2026 US Open. He dropped a set in each of his first two matches to reach the third round.

Shelton won his first round match against Tallon Griekspoor, 1-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-2. He won his second round match against Hubert Hurkacz, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6, 7-5.

Shelton will now play Denis Shapovalov of Canada for a place in the last 16. He is one of seven American men who reached the third round.

The other American men in the third round are Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Tommy Paul, Alex Michelsen, and Michael Zheng. The third round is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 4.