US Open: Ben Shelton is ready to carry American men's tennis out of the wilderness
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Ben Shelton is poised to become the first American man in 23 years to win a Grand Slam singles title, reaching the US Open final after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.
- Shelton, 23, has rapidly risen through the ranks, transitioning from a late focus on tennis and NCAA champion to a top-ranked professional with a powerful lefty serve and strong athleticism.
- Coached full-time by his father Bryan Shelton, their patient and long-term development approach has led to Shelton's breakthrough, including four tournament titles this year and a current world No. 4 ranking.
- Shelton faces a significant challenge in the US Open final against No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev, but the opportunity to end the American men's Grand Slam drought on home soil is a powerful motivator.
- Shelton's success would mark a turning point for American men's tennis, ending a long period without a major champion since Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open victory.
