Ben Shelton is on the brink of making history as he prepares to face Alexander Zverev in the US Open final. The world No. 4 has made an impressive journey to his first Grand Slam final in New York. A victory would make him the first Black American man to win the US Open singles title since Arthur Ashe in 1968, and the first American man to capture a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
Shelton’s upcoming clash with Zverev presents a formidable challenge. He has yet to win against the German on hard courts, having lost all five encounters and 10 consecutive sets against him. Zverev’s potent two-handed backhand has proven to be particularly challenging for Shelton’s left-handed style of play. Despite these hurdles, Shelton is optimistic about overcoming the odds, having already defeated formidable opponents like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe on his path to the final.
Since his breakthrough at the Australian Open in 2023, where he reached the quarter-finals, Shelton has shown rapid improvement. His performance at the US Open semi-finals the same year marked a turning point, as he has since honed his skills, particularly in baseline play and return. The 22-year-old attributes his success to improvements in focus and baseline consistency, which have transformed his game significantly.
Shelton’s father and coach, Bryan Shelton, holds strong faith in his son’s potential to excel when competing for major titles. Ben has an impressive track record, winning seven out of nine career finals, and will now aim to deliver his finest performance on the sport’s grandest stage. A triumph over Zverev would not only grant Shelton his first Grand Slam title but also secure his place as a pivotal figure in American tennis history.