Ben Shelton is set to compete against Alexander Zverev in the US Open final, aiming to make history by ending a 23-year wait for an American men’s singles champion. Shelton, ranked world No. 4, has reached his first Grand Slam final after an impressive performance in New York. Should he win, Shelton would be the first Black American man to claim the US Open singles title since Arthur Ashe in 1968 and the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s US Open victory in 2003.
The matchup presents a formidable challenge for Shelton, who has yet to win in five hard-court encounters with Zverev and has lost 10 consecutive sets to the German player. Known for his powerful two-handed backhand, Zverev’s game has consistently troubled Shelton’s left-handed style. Despite these odds, Shelton is confident in his ability to overcome the difficult opponent, having already bested several strong contenders like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe during his run.
Shelton’s rapid development has been notable since his breakthrough at the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2023. He reached the US Open semi-finals that same year, but his game has since matured, particularly in terms of baseline play and return ability. The 22-year-old attributes his transformation to improvements in his return, baseline consistency, and focus during play.
His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, shares the belief in his son’s potential to excel when vying for major titles. With a record of winning seven out of nine career finals, Ben Shelton is prepared to deliver his finest performance on this grand stage. A victory against Zverev would not only mark his first Grand Slam title but also secure his legacy in the annals of American tennis history.