Ben Shelton is set to face Alexander Zverev in the US Open final, offering a chance to make history by becoming the first American men’s singles champion in 23 years. Shelton, currently ranked as the world No. 4, has reached his first Grand Slam final following an impressive series of performances in New York. Should he overcome Zverev, Shelton would become the first Black American man to claim the US Open singles title since Arthur Ashe achieved the feat in 1968. Additionally, it would mark the first Grand Slam singles title for an American man since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open victory.
The task ahead for Shelton is daunting, as he has struggled against Zverev in the past. He has lost all five of their encounters on hard courts and has not managed to win a set in their last ten meetings. Zverev’s formidable two-handed backhand has often troubled Shelton, who plays left-handed, highlighting the challenge he faces. However, Shelton remains optimistic, having already dispatched formidable adversaries such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe during his journey to the final.
Shelton’s game has evolved considerably since his breakthrough at the Australian Open in 2023, where he reached the quarter-finals. He further progressed to the semi-finals of the US Open that year, and since then, his skills have become more refined, especially in baseline play and returns. The 22-year-old attributes his success to enhancements in his return game, baseline consistency, and mental focus, which have significantly boosted his performance on the court.
Guided by his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, Ben has demonstrated an ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. With a record of winning seven out of nine career finals, Shelton is now poised to deliver his best tennis on the grandest stage of his career. A victory over Zverev would not only secure his first Grand Slam title but also etch his name into the annals of American tennis history as he aims to break the long-standing drought in men’s singles championships.