Ben Shelton is poised to take on Alexander Zverev in the US Open final, with an opportunity to end a 23-year drought for American men’s singles tennis. Shelton, ranked fourth in the world, has reached his first Grand Slam final following an impressive performance in New York. Should he emerge victorious over Zverev, Shelton would become the first Black American man to clinch the US Open singles title since Arthur Ashe achieved the feat in 1968, and the first American man to secure a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
The path to victory, however, will not be easy for Shelton, who has struggled against Zverev in the past. In their five hard-court encounters, Shelton has been unable to secure a win, and he has lost the last 10 sets against the formidable German player. Zverev’s powerful two-handed backhand has consistently posed a challenge to Shelton’s left-handed style of play. Despite this, Shelton remains optimistic about overcoming the odds. His journey to the final has already seen him defeat several formidable opponents, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe. Shelton, now 22, attributes his improved performance to enhancements in his return of serve, baseline game, and mental focus.
Since making a breakthrough with a quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open in 2023, Shelton’s development has been swift. He reached the US Open semi-finals that same year, and his game has since become more well-rounded, especially in terms of baseline play and returns. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, shares confidence in his son’s capability to deliver when it matters most. Ben Shelton has won seven of the nine finals he has competed in, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
For Shelton, securing a win over Zverev would not only mean his first Grand Slam title but also a significant place in the annals of American tennis. As he prepares to face one of the most challenging matches of his career, Shelton is set on showcasing his best tennis on this grand stage, with the support and belief of his coach and father bolstering his resolve.