Ben Shelton is set to compete against Alexander Zverev in the US Open final, with an opportunity to make history by ending a 23-year drought for American men’s singles champions. As the world No. 4, Shelton has reached his first Grand Slam final after an impressive campaign in New York. Should he triumph over Zverev, Shelton would become the first Black American man to win the US Open singles title since Arthur Ashe’s victory in 1968. Additionally, he would be the first American man to clinch a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s success at the US Open in 2003.
The upcoming match presents a formidable challenge for Shelton, who has yet to win against Zverev on hard courts, having lost all five previous encounters and ten consecutive sets to the German player. Zverev’s strong two-handed backhand has been particularly challenging against Shelton’s left-handed play. Nevertheless, Shelton remains optimistic about overcoming this difficult matchup, having already defeated noteworthy opponents like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe during his current run.
Shelton’s game has evolved significantly since his breakthrough quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open in 2023. That year, he advanced to the US Open semi-finals, but his skills have since become more refined, particularly in terms of baseline play and return of serve. The 22-year-old attributes his progress to enhancements in his return, baseline consistency, and focus, which have collectively improved his overall game.
His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, has expressed confidence in Ben’s ability to perform at the highest level when competing for major titles. Ben Shelton has demonstrated a strong track record in finals, winning seven out of nine career appearances. Now, he aims to deliver his finest performance on the grandest stage of his career thus far.
A victory over Zverev would not only grant Shelton his first Grand Slam title but also secure a significant place in American tennis history, marking a remarkable milestone in his burgeoning career.