Ben Shelton once again showcased his explosive power on the tennis court — but this time, it wasn’t just his opponent feeling the heat. During his match at the 2025 Madrid Open, the young American stunned fans by accidentally obliterating a chunk of an advertising board with a thunderous serve.
In the early stages of the second set, Shelton launched a serve that sailed wide and struck the LED courtside signage. The impact was so fierce that it tore off a section of the board, sending shards of plastic flying and drawing gasps from the crowd. Though the damage was not intentional, it served as a reminder of Shelton’s raw power, which has become one of the most talked-about aspects of his game.
Play was briefly paused as tournament staff inspected and repaired the damaged signage. Shelton, ever the showman, gave a sheepish smile and raised his hand in apology, drawing cheers and laughter from the audience.
The 22-year-old, known for his big lefty serve and fearless playing style, has rapidly risen through the ATP rankings and earned a reputation for delivering highlight-reel moments. This incident only added to his growing legend and sparked a flurry of reactions online, with fans dubbing the moment “the serve that broke the board.”
Shelton went on to win the match in straight sets, showing composure and focus despite the unexpected interruption. His post-match interview was filled with humor as he joked, “I guess I need to start aiming better — or at least warn the sponsors!”
As Shelton continues his campaign in Madrid, one thing is clear: his serve is not just a weapon — it’s a wrecking ball. Opponents beware, and maybe sponsors too.