Ben Shelton is on the cusp of making history as he prepares to face Alexander Zverev in the US Open final, aiming to end a 23-year drought for American men’s singles champions. The world No 4 has reached his first Grand Slam final following an impressive performance in New York. A win over Zverev would see Shelton become the first Black American man to claim the US Open singles title since Arthur Ashe’s victory in 1968, and the first American man to secure a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
The task ahead is daunting, as Shelton has yet to win against Zverev in their five previous hard-court encounters, having lost 10 consecutive sets to the German. Zverev’s formidable two-handed backhand has consistently posed challenges to Shelton’s left-handed play. Despite this, Shelton remains optimistic about overcoming the difficult matchup. His journey to the final has included victories over formidable opponents such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe. The 22-year-old attributes his advancement to improvements in his return, baseline consistency, and focus.
Shelton’s progress has been swift since his initial breakthrough with a quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open in 2023. That year, he also reached the US Open semi-finals, but his game has since evolved, particularly in terms of baseline play and returns. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, shares his confidence, citing Ben’s proven ability to perform under pressure. With a track record of winning seven out of nine career finals, Shelton is poised to deliver his best tennis on the most significant stage yet.
A victory against Zverev would not only mark Shelton’s first Grand Slam title but would also secure his place in the annals of American tennis history. As he stands on the brink of a potentially groundbreaking achievement, Shelton’s remarkable rise and resilience serve as a testament to his dedication and skill.