NCAA Singles Champion Ben Shelton Reaches Final of Georgia’s Rome Challenger

Shelton to face Wu in Championship Match; Enzo Couacaud and Andrew Harris win Doubles Title

NCAA Singles Champion Ben Shelton powered his way into the final of Georgia’s Rome Challenger Saturday, defeating Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-1, 6-3. Shelton, a 19 year old American who has spent the last two years at the University of Florida, has only dropped one set in six matches en route to his first career challenger final.

His opponent in the final, 22 year old Yibing Wu of China, advanced in similar fashion, pushing past Juan Pablo Ficovich 6-1, 6-0. The final will be the third at challenger level for Wu, having most recently won the Orlando Challenger in June 2022. The singles final is scheduled for 11am EST at Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.

Enzo Couacaud(FRA) and Andrew Harris (AUS) took home the doubles title Saturday, defeating Ruben Gonzales(PHI) and Reese Stadler(USA) 7-6(5), 7-5. It’s the third career challenger doubles for both Couacaud and Harris, and their first as a doubles pairing.

“We’re very excited about this final matchup and hope to see a great crowd on Sunday,” said Ann Hortman, Director of Rome Sports and co-tournament director. “These are the future stars of our sport, and it’s a great chance for the Rome community to come out and watch the great tennis up close and personal.”

The final will be livestreamed on Challenger TV, which is hosted on the ATP Tour website. Tickets are available at www.RomeProChallenge.com

About USTA Pro Circuit

With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $15,000 to $125,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched its Pro Circuit 38 years ago to provide players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering more than $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova, John Isner, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, Victoria Azarenka, and Sam Querrey are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.

About Rome Tennis Center at Berry College

The Rome Tennis Center at Berry College is an award-winning center that hosts local, national, and international tournaments and is the largest contiguous hard-court facility in the country. The 57-court facility is comprised of USTA standard, asphalt tennis courts and includes six NCAA regulation courts, six indoor courts and three center courts for tournament and collegiate play. All courts have lighting and access to shade structures. The terraced design provides ADA accessibility to all courts. The facility hosts daily programming to support and build tennis play locally. Local programs and lessons are offered for all ages and abilities from leisure play to competitive league play.