Ben Shelton is known for his blistering serves, electrifying energy, and an unshakable presence on the court. But off the court, there’s another athlete who fires up the young American tennis star: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.
Yes, that Anthony Edwards—“Ant-Man” himself. The NBA rising superstar with a game as explosive as his confidence. In recent interviews, Shelton has made it no secret that he admires Edwards deeply—not just for his athleticism, but for what he represents: unapologetic self-belief, charisma, and a love for the game that’s downright infectious.
In a world where athletes often shy away from bold statements, Shelton’s open admiration offers fans a glimpse into the mindset that fuels greatness. It’s not just about playing well—it’s about thinking like a winner. And in Anthony Edwards, Shelton sees a blueprint for that mentality.
When Tennis Meets Basketball Swagger
At first glance, Ben Shelton and Anthony Edwards live in different universes. One sprints across the hardwood under the roar of packed arenas, while the other battles solo in the world of tennis—where every point is a personal war.
But scratch the surface, and the similarities are obvious.
Both are young, hungry, fearless, and driven by confidence that feels more like destiny than arrogance. Both are redefining what it means to be the face of a sport in a new era of bold personalities. And both are inspiring a generation of fans with a brand of play that’s equal parts passion and panache.
Shelton has spoken about how he watches Anthony Edwards’ highlights—not just to be entertained, but to channel that same energy in his own performance. It’s not about mimicking his moves. It’s about mirroring his mindset.
“There’s something about the way Ant carries himself,” Shelton said in a recent interview. “It’s not cocky. It’s confident. He believes he belongs—every time, all the time. That’s something I try to bring to the court with me.”
The Power of Unapologetic Belief
One of the things that sets Anthony Edwards apart in the NBA is his unfiltered authenticity. He talks like he plays: fast, fun, and full of conviction. Whether it’s telling reporters he’s the best player on the floor or laughing through a postgame interview, Edwards radiates belief.
That kind of mindset is magnetic—especially to someone like Ben Shelton, who’s building his own identity in tennis. In a sport historically known for its stoic demeanor, Shelton’s energy feels like a jolt of electricity.
He shouts after big points. He flexes. He lets the crowd in. He’s not afraid to celebrate himself.
And like Edwards, Shelton is here to change the narrative.
“You watch Ant talk about himself—he doesn’t doubt,” Shelton explained. “He doesn’t apologize for being confident. That’s powerful, especially for a young athlete like me.”
From the Court to the Culture
There’s a reason Ben Shelton admiring Anthony Edwards resonates beyond sports circles. It’s cultural.
In a landscape where young Black athletes are often scrutinized for being too loud, too flashy, or too confident, both Edwards and Shelton challenge the old guard. They are reclaiming what it means to be expressive, passionate, and proud without being penalized.
And fans are responding.
Shelton has quickly become a crowd favorite—not just for his jaw-dropping athleticism, but because people see themselves in him. He’s relatable, expressive, and fearless. Just like Edwards, he’s tapping into something bigger than the game.
It’s a new era. And these athletes are leading the charge.
Winning With Style
Of course, confidence alone doesn’t win matches—or games. You’ve got to back it up. That’s another reason Shelton admires Edwards: he walks the talk.
When the Timberwolves stormed into the 2024 playoffs with Edwards as their emotional leader, his belief never wavered. Even when underdogs, he acted like they were favorites. And that belief turned into results.
Shelton takes that same approach to the court.
Whether facing a Top 10 opponent or stepping into the spotlight of a Grand Slam, he doesn’t shrink. He embraces the moment.
And it’s paying off.
With a US Open semifinal appearance and multiple Top 10 wins under his belt, Shelton is emerging as one of the most dangerous players on the ATP Tour. But it’s his swagger, his smile, and his mindset that make him unforgettable.
Just like Edwards, Shelton doesn’t just play to win—he plays to leave a mark.
A New Kind of Role Model
When young athletes like Shelton talk about who inspires them, it often tells us as much about their own ambitions as it does about their idols.
In Anthony Edwards, Shelton sees someone who’s not afraid to be the face of a movement. Someone who’s confident enough to lead without asking permission. Someone who’s turning raw talent into cultural impact.
And in speaking publicly about that admiration, Shelton is planting his own flag.
He’s telling the world that he’s not just here to hit tennis balls—he’s here to shift energy. To bring fans back to the sport. To build something real, something lasting.
To be the kind of athlete young kids look up to—and not just because of titles, but because of how he carries himself.
“You can be competitive and kind,” Shelton once said. “You can be confident without being disrespectful. You can be you—and that’s enough.”
From Admiration to Motivation
For Shelton, admiration isn’t passive. It’s fuel.
He’s not just watching Anthony Edwards from the sidelines—he’s studying him, drawing strength, and turning that into performance. And every time he steps onto the court with that same belief, that same spark, it’s another testament to the power of authenticity.
Fans see it. They feel it. And they want more.
Ben Shelton and Anthony Edwards may play different games, but they speak the same language: belief, energy, and fearless individuality. They’re not just athletes. They’re statements.
Conclusion: Swagger That Inspires
The reason Ben Shelton admires Anthony Edwards goes deeper than dunks and cross-court winners. It’s about mentality. Identity. The freedom to be bold, loud, and real—without compromise.
Both are rising stars in their own right, but more importantly, they’re redefining what leadership looks like in modern sports. They’re bringing joy back into the game. They’re showing the next generation that you can win with passion, with flair, with your whole self on display.
And maybe that’s the real takeaway:
You don’t have to choose between greatness and personality. You can be both.
Ben Shelton knows it. Anthony Edwards proves it. And fans around the world are here for it.
