Sheldon: Three Key Advantages to Becoming a Potential Top Player

In the final of the 2025 Canadian Open, Sheldon staged an impressive comeback, defeating Khachanov with a score of 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3) to secure his first Masters title. His ATP ranking also rose to sixth, marking a career high. He is the fifth player born in the 2000s to win a significant tournament this year, with Alcaraz and Sinner being the standout performers.

Alcaraz has already claimed three major titles, including the French Open and two Masters titles in Monte Carlo and Rome; Sinner has triumphed at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon; while Draper and Mensik are the other two players this season who have won Masters titles.

Djokovic and Zverev are now veterans on the tour and have achieved some solid results. However, the former has not played much this year, and the latter's form has been inconsistent.

Although Alcaraz and Sinner have clearly established themselves ahead of other players, Sheldon has the most potential to catch up with them compared to his peers. The following points illustrate why this American is currently the third player behind the world’s top two.

1. Sheldon excels on all surface types, allowing him to compete with Alcaraz and Sinner

This year, Sheldon reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, advanced to the fourth round of the French Open, and made it to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. In 2023, during his first full tour season, he only won four matches on clay and grass combined. Two years later, he has reached the second week of Grand Slam events on both surfaces, demonstrating rapid improvement.

Last year, Sheldon also won a clay tournament in Houston, making grass the only surface he has yet to conquer. Compared to his compatriots Fritz, Paul, and Tiafoe, he adapted his game earlier to suit all surfaces. Other top players of his generation, like Draper and Mensik, have done the same but have not shown such consistency across all Grand Slam events.

Maintaining consistent performances in most tournaments is the cornerstone of success. Alcaraz and Sinner were also stable before they began winning significant titles, both first capturing smaller event championships before claiming their first Masters titles and ultimately Grand Slam titles. Sheldon is following a similar path, first winning titles in lower-tier events. His first Masters title could provide the necessary momentum for him to win a Grand Slam.

2. Sheldon’s grounded ambition is another significant advantage

After defeating Fritz in the semifinals of the Canadian Open, Sheldon wrote “humble and hungry” on camera. In the sports world, ambition is a double-edged sword; it is one of the essential prerequisites for reaching the pinnacle of the industry, but being overly aggressive is not a widely appreciated trait.

Sheldon desires great achievements while remaining humble, a quality that could help him become one of the top players. Alcaraz and Sinner also exhibit a similar desire to emulate great players, but they remain level-headed and do not let their accolades cloud their judgment. This American is doing the same.

3. Sheldon raises his game on the biggest stages

Some players enjoy the spotlight but despise the pressure that comes with it. Sheldon is not one of them; he thrives on showcasing his best level in front of large audiences. Of the 12 Grand Slam events he has participated in so far, he has reached the second week in half of them.

Sheldon’s best Grand Slam results are reaching the semifinals at the 2023 US Open and the Australian Open earlier this year. With his victory at the Canadian Open, he has also made a breakthrough in Masters events. He is eager to achieve and calmly accepts the challenges faced by professional players, which will set him apart from his peers.

In contrast, Draper has struggled under pressure at domestic Grand Slam events. He was eliminated in the second round of Wimbledon and has never progressed beyond that stage. Sheldon, however, has already performed well at the US Open and demonstrated his strength in other domestic events.

Throughout his journey to victory at the Canadian Open, Sheldon showcased his ability to handle additional scrutiny. With Sinner and Alcaraz absent from the tournament, he became one of the top four seeds. This was his opportunity to prove he deserves to be among the elite, and he did not disappoint. If he can continue to stay composed in such moments, nothing will be able to stop him in the future. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)