Ben Shelton vs Novak Djokovic: Who had a better 2025 season and why

Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic both enjoyed strong 2025 campaigns. Shelton broke through in a big way, capturing his first ATP Masters 1000 title, while Djokovic added another milestone to his legacy. Both stayed inside the top 10 for much of the season and showed why they remain major forces on tour.

Coming off 2024, Shelton was emerging as one of the most promising young American talents. He had already made some noise in big tournaments and looked ready to take the next step.

Djokovic, meanwhile, entered 2025 with a refined schedule. He is now older, but still laser-focused on Grand Slams and big targets. Expectations were high on both sides, and they largely delivered.

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First half of the season: Momentum and milestones of Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic

Ben Shelton at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

At the start of 2025, Djokovic moved smartly. He kept his calendar light and focused his energy on the big events. In Melbourne, he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals and reached his 50th Grand Slam semifinal, becoming the first man in the Open Era to hit that number.

Shelton, for his part, also started strongly. At the Australian Open, he rolled into the semis thanks to his powerful serve and explosive game. He showed grit, and though he didn’t win, he confirmed his place among the rising stars.

Through the spring Masters swing, Djokovic again picked his spots. He moved smoothly through his events and kept enough sharpness for the French Open after reaching the final in Miami. At Roland Garros, he notched his 100th match win at the tournament and reached the semifinal again.

Shelton, contrastingly, still battled on clay. He showed flashes of improvement. The American reached the quarterfinal at Indian Wells and lost in the final in Munich. At Roland Garros, he was beaten by Alcaraz in the quarters.

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Second half of the season: Big wins and tough breaks

Novak Djokovic at The Championships - Wimbledon 2025 - Source: Getty

After the French Open, Djokovic’s attention shifted to grass. He went into Wimbledon with his usual poise and made it through to the semifinals. But Jannik Sinner stopped him there in straight sets, ending his bid for another Wimbledon crown.

Shelton played Wimbledon after several grass events with confidence, maintaining his aggressive style. He beat Lorenzo Sonego to reach the quarterfinals, making him the youngest American to do so at Wimbledon since Andy Roddick. But his run ended in that round.

Then came the North American hard-court swing, where Shelton made his biggest mark. At the National Bank Open in Toronto, Shelton came from a set down to beat Karen Khachanov in the final. That win made him the youngest American man to win a Masters 1000 since Andy Roddick.

The victory also pushed him to world No. 6, overtaking Djokovic in the rankings. Meanwhile, the Serb kept his schedule selective. He didn't win a Grand Slam in 2025, but he came close at all of them. He reached the semifinals of every major but couldn’t close out to reach the final.

In the fall, Shelton continued to play well and clinched a spot at the ATP Finals for the first time. But a shoulder injury from the US Open lingered, and he admitted his form dipped in the last leg of the season.

Djokovic, on the other hand, wrapped up the year with a title. He won the Hellenic Championships in Greece to earn his 101st title. However, the title will be remembered for the controversy that followed. Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals after winning in Athens at the last minute.

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Who had the better season between Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton: A close call

When you compare Djokovic and Shelton in 2025, it depends on how you measure success. Djokovic, now in his late 30s, played with efficiency. He didn’t chase every tournament, but he made his appearances count and hit major career milestones.

He reached four Grand Slam semifinals, won his 101st tour-level title, and ended the season ranked No. 4. He’s still pushing for that elusive 25th major and came very close multiple times.

Shelton, by contrast, made significant breakthroughs. His Toronto Masters title was his biggest yet. He proved he can beat top players deep in big events. But his shoulder injury at the US Open cost him a chance to make just a little more noise. Even so, he ended the year strong enough to qualify for the ATP Finals.

In short, Djokovic had the more stable season while Shelton had a breakthrough, capturing his first big crown. So, who did better? By experience and impact, Djokovic wins. But by potential and upward trajectory, Shelton is the clear rising star.