Ben Shelton loves the big stage, and he used his Wimbledon platform to ensure that his player’s box remains full into a second week.

The big-serving 22-year-old faces Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the Round of 16 targeting a quarterfinal place at the All England for the first time.

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But sister Emma faced the prospect of going home early[/caption]

Ben’s girlfriend Trinity Rodman has also been in the player’s box through the first week in SW19 when he is yet to drop a set.

But it was the call to action on behalf of his sister Emma after an impressive 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 win over Marton Fucsovics that ensured the Sheltons made the headlines.

His older sister Emma – a former player at the University of Florida where Ben was a star and their father Brian was a coach – has taken time off work to join her mom and dad in cheering Ben on.

“It’s not just been me here, I have a great team,” he said after Saturday’s victory.

“My parents are here, my girlfriend’s here. Also, my sister’s here – she’s been here for every match I’ve played.

“She’s been the lucky charm. But she has work back in the US starting Monday.”

Ben’s run to the Round of 16 has made him the youngest American since Andy Roddick in 2004 to reach the fourth round in three Grand Slams in one year and he is keen to keep things in good order.

During his on-court interview on Saturday, he happened to mention that she worked for Morgan Stanley but was going to require an extra week off.

“Ay ay ay! Come on now,” Ben said after his initial plea had drawn some slight-hearted boos and jeers from those watching on Court No.1.

“She works for Morgan Stanley. So if anyone has any connections who can get her an extra couple of days off so we can keep this rolling…”

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Ben ended his post match interview with a call for sister Emma to be given another week off[/caption]

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And later in the day confirmed his older sibling will be sticking around[/caption]

Later in the day Shelton posted a video to his Instagram story with Emma jumping out and down to celebrate as Ben asks “You get the week off or what? Shoutout to Morgan Stanley.”

Emma then reposted the story with thanks to her employers and news that her flight home had been cancelled – “Thank you MS return flight cancelled.”

Shelton and fifth seed Taylor Fritz are aiming to become the first American men’s champion at Wimbledon for 25 years, when

Shelton has not been beyond the fourth round in his two previous visits to the All England Club, losing to Laslo Djere in the second round of his debut in 2023 and suffering defeat to Jannik Sinner last year.

However, the world no.10, who will rise at least one spot to a career high of ninth after the tournament, has reached the quarterfinal or better in three of his last nine Grand Slam appearances.

In 2023, Shelton reached his first ever major quarterfinal at the Australian Open, and he followed that up with a semifinal run that electrified the U.S Open later in the year.

Earlier this year, in Melbourne, he reached the final four only to fall short in his quest of a first Grand Slam final.

Should he be victorious on Monday, he will likely face a rematch with another Italian in Sinner, one round on from their fourth round match up last year.

The world No.1 beat Shelton in straight sets 12 months ago in SW19, and again at the Australian Open this year, and the leads their head to head 5-1 – winning each of their last five matches without dropping a set.

Shelton will hope his fully intact players box – which will include his big sister – will help turn the tide should he make another Sinner showdown.