As the U.S. Open final approaches on Sunday in New York City, excitement around American men’s tennis is at its highest since Andy Roddick won the tournament in 2003. Ben Shelton, a promising left-handed player from Gainesville, Florida, faces the event's top seed, Germany's Alexander Zverev, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world.
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Shelton aims to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since Roddick, but defeating Zverev poses a significant challenge. Zverev, the reigning French Open champion and Wimbledon runner-up, leads their head-to-head record 5-0, with Shelton managing to win just one set against him in their prior encounters.
Historically, the three American men who reached a U.S. Open final since Roddick's victory struggled against much stronger opponents. In 2005, Andre Agassi's nostalgic run ended with a loss to Roger Federer, who claimed his second of five consecutive U.S. Open titles. Roddick returned to the final in 2006 but also fell to Federer. Taylor Fritz reached the final in 2024 but lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
Shelton's journey at this year’s tournament has already been notable. He outlasted Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal that concluded at 3:33 a.m., the latest finish in tournament history. He also made history by becoming the first Black American man to reach the U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972 and the first Black American man in any Grand Slam singles final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon in 1996.
In the semifinals, Shelton defeated his close friend Frances Tiafoe, showcasing his mental resilience. After a late double-fault in the first set handed Tiafoe an advantage, Shelton regrouped to win the next three sets, displaying his ability to extend rallies and capitalize on Tiafoe's mistakes. Shelton delivered 20 aces during the match, which concluded with a Tiafoe double-fault.
As he prepares for his match against Zverev, Shelton will have home-court support. American fans are eager for a men's champion after nearly 25 years. After the semifinal, Shelton expressed his determination, calling for unity among American fans.
Zverev’s past controversies, including allegations of domestic violence—claims he has consistently denied—have made him a polarizing figure, contrasting with the enthusiasm surrounding Shelton. Regarding his previous losses to Zverev, Shelton expressed confidence, noting his development as a player since their last encounter.
With history and a potential title on the line, Shelton remains focused on enjoying the moment. He stated that confidence and belief are paramount, adding that he is simply enjoying his time in New York. A shot at making history awaits him in the final.