Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe were narrowly defeated in their opening doubles match at the Citi Open in Washington DC, ending hopes of a standout win on home soil. Despite this setback, Shelton’s comments about the best mixed doubles player highlight a significant perspective on doubles partnerships in tennis.
Early Round Defeat Dampens Shelton and Tiafoe’s Doubles Hopes
At the Citi Open, Shelton and Tiafoe excited fans by teaming up for the doubles event, representing the United States. Their promising start drew attention, but they were ultimately overpowered by the experienced team of John Peers and Matthew Ebden. Peers and Ebden, who previously captured the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, secured a straight-sets win of 7-6(7-3), 6-3, halting the Americans’ run in front of their home audience.
In singles, Shelton remains a strong competitor, having reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon before falling to Jannik Sinner. He also recently reentered the ATP top ten, positioned at number eight, showing his rising form despite the doubles disappointment.
Ben Shelton Identifies the Clear Top Mixed Doubles Player in the World
Ahead of the Citi Open, Shelton reflected on his doubles pursuits, especially in mixed events. When asked about the US Open mixed doubles, he seemed confident about his partnership with Taylor Townsend, describing them as “pretty clear overdogs” for the title. Both players share roots in Atlanta and have known each other for years on tour, which strengthens their synergy on court.
Shelton stressed the importance of playing with a partner of exceptional caliber, stating:
“Yeah, she’s the best mixed doubles player in the world, hands down. So if I was going to play, I wasn’t going to play at all unless I could play with her.”
—Ben Shelton, ATP player
He explained that his father advised him not to compete unless he had a genuine chance of winning, and Taylor Townsend is the partner he believes could help achieve that goal. Their dynamic combines serious competitiveness with moments of lightheartedness, making the experience both intense and enjoyable.
“Yeah, it’s a big prize. I forget what the prize money is for the tournament, but I feel like it’s ridiculous. It’s a mill? Yeah, I guess you could say we’ll be playing hard.”
—Ben Shelton, ATP player
Why the US Open Brings Out the Best in Ben Shelton’s Game
The revamped US Open mixed doubles event has attracted considerable attention, especially since it takes place during the well-attended US Open Fan Week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. With a substantial $1 million prize for the champions, the stakes are high. Shelton and Townsend’s partnership appears promising given her outstanding record.
Taylor Townsend is currently ranked world number two in doubles and boasts nine WTA Tour titles. She has won two Grand Slam doubles titles alongside Katerina Siniakova at the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon 2024. Additionally, Townsend has reached two Grand Slam mixed doubles finals as well as two doubles finals, underscoring her elite level in both disciplines.
Shelton’s previous best Grand Slam performance was a semifinal run at last year’s US Open, a feat he matched earlier in the year at the Australian Open before again being stopped by ATP number one Jannik Sinner. When discussing his early New York experience, Shelton shared what makes the US Open so special for his game:
“For me, there is no feeling like it. That’s my personal opinion. But that’s where I have always felt at home playing and the reason I feel like I play my best tennis there.”
—Ben Shelton, ATP player
He described feeling at ease amid the energy and excitement of packed crowds and the vibrant tournament atmosphere, which contrasts sharply with quieter events where the lack of noise and enthusiasm can be unsettling for him. The aura surrounding the US Open fuels his performance.
Focusing on Singles Following Washington Doubles Exit
After the early doubles loss at the Citi Open, Shelton has turned his full attention back to singles competition. His immediate challenge is a match against fellow American Mackenzie McDonald in the round of 32 in Washington. Shelton’s reflective attitude and growing experience suggest he remains a contender to watch in upcoming matches.