How Ben Shelton and Rafael Jodar reached new heights in 2026

While the pair find themselves at different stages of their careers, both have enjoyed landmark campaigns in 2026.

Shelton has strengthened his position as one of the Tour's leading contenders, while Jodar has made electric start to his career and has quickly cemented himself as one of the game's fastest-rising young stars.

Following standout performances that have elevated both players to new heights, we take a look at the progress they've made this season and why they could be names to watch in West London next summer.

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Ben Shelton’s career-best campaign

While Shelton has been an established top-20 player for the last three years, it's safe to say the American has found another level in 2026.

Shelton started the season ranked world No.8 and has enjoyed the best campaign of his career to date.

The 24-year-old has claimed four titles so far this season, lifting trophies in Dallas, Munich and Stuttgart before successfully defending his ATP Masters 1000 crown in Canada. Alongside those title-winning runs, Shelton has already recorded 45 tour-level victories this, with that number set to increase as he turns his attention to the Nitto ATP Finals next week.

His standout moment came at the US Open, where he reached his first Grand Slam singles final - defeating the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe en route. Although he ultimately finished runner-up to world No.1 Alexander Zverev, reaching a maiden Grand Slam final represented one of the biggest milestones of Shelton's career to date and a significant step forward in his journey,

The American's success saw him break into the world's top five for the first time, climbing to a career-high ranking of No.4 and securing a place in the Nitto ATP Finals for the second consecutive year.

The six-time ATP titleholder has already made three appearances at the HSBC Championships, with his best run to date coming on his debut in 2023 where he reached the second round.

Since his last appearance in 2025, Shelton has gone on to lift his first grass court title at the Boss Open and will hope to build on that grass court breakthrough heading into the ATP 500 tournament in West London next June.

Rafa Jodar: The next Spanish star on the rise 

One year ago, Jodar was balancing life as a student-athlete at the University of Virginia while sitting outside the world's top 150. Fast forward 12 months and the Spaniard has become one of the ATP Tour's fastest-rising stars, enjoying a breakthrough season that propelled him into the world's top 10.

Jodar made his ATP Tour-level debut at the Australian Open back in January and wasted little time announcing himself on the world stage. Just 287 days later, he set a new record for the shortest time between a player's ATP debut and breaking into the top 10.

His impressive campaign has included several major milestones, including a maiden ATP title at the Grand Prix Hassan II, a first ATP Masters 1000 final in Shanghai and a breakthrough run to the quarter-finals at Roland Garros.

While injury disrupted much of his grass court season, the 20-year-old still offered a glimpse of his potential on the surface at Wimbledon. On his pro-level grass court debut, Jodar reached the third round with victories over Britain's Felix Gill and former world No.10 Pablo Carreno Busta before bowing out to Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki.

Having already established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in the men’s game, Jodar heads into 2027 with momentum on his side and is guaranteed to be one of the most exciting stars on show at next year's HSBC Championships.

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Shelton and Jodar join two-time champion and former world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu  at The Queen’s Club from 5-20 June.

Tickets for the HSBC Championships are now on sale, although there are limited tickets available, so don’t wait to secure your seats.

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