Ben Shelton Aims for Historic US Open Title Against Alexander Zverev

Shelton on the Brink of History

Ben Shelton is just one victory away from breaking a 23-year drought for American men’s singles champions at the US Open. His opponent in the final will be the top-seeded Alexander Zverev. Shelton secured his spot in the 2026 US Open men’s singles final after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals, having previously triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match. With a Grand Slam title within reach, Shelton is excited about the opportunity and feels ready to give it his all. The final is scheduled for Sunday at 11:30 PM IST.

A Battle Awaits

In a recent interview, Shelton expressed his determination, stating, "I’m prepared for a tough match on Sunday. I plan to give everything on the court. Regardless of the outcome, I will be proud of my journey. This is my dream, and I won’t hold back. My team and I focus on long-term goals rather than seeking immediate rewards. I recognize that I have much more to achieve as a player, but the title is within reach, and I’m committed to leaving it all on the court."

A Milestone for American Tennis

Shelton’s journey has already made a significant impact on American tennis. No American man has claimed the US Open title since Andy Roddick in 2003, and Shelton is the first Black American man to reach the final since Arthur Ashe. Reflecting on his achievement, Shelton acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family and supporters throughout his career. He stated, "This means everything to me. Many have sacrificed so much for me to be in this position. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me. Making history is incredible, but my job isn’t finished yet."

Resilience in the Semi-Finals

The semi-final match against Tiafoe tested Shelton’s resilience. After losing the first set, he rallied to win the next three sets, securing his place in the final. Shelton remarked, "I’m thrilled to have closed it out in four sets. I didn’t want to push my body through five sets before the finals. I felt I played a solid match, and Tiafoe pushed me hard. Winning three consecutive sets after dropping the first was a great feeling."

Final Challenge and Home Crowd Support

Shelton’s confidence has been bolstered by his quarter-final win over Alcaraz, but he faces a formidable challenge in Zverev. He will also benefit from the support of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd as he aims to complete his historic run. Shelton concluded, "The crowd will be incredibly supportive. New York has a vibrant sports culture, and I plan to harness that energy to play my best match."

The Final Hurdle

With history at stake and Zverev as his final obstacle, Shelton is poised to make his mark.