The US Open has not seen an American male singles champion since Andy Roddick took the title in 2003. However, Atlanta native Ben Shelton is generating renewed hope of ending this 22-year gap, with former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport publicly endorsing him as a leading contender. Shelton’s surge up the ranks and recent victory at the Canadian Open have positioned him as a serious threat at the upcoming Grand Slam.
Rapid Advancement on the ATP Tour Since Turning Pro
Since entering the professional circuit in 2022, Shelton’s progress has been striking. He captured attention in 2023 by reaching the US Open semi-finals, where he was ultimately defeated by Novak Djokovic. So far this season, he has reached two finals and secured one title, highlighting his growing consistency and competitiveness at the highest levels of tennis.
Earlier this year, Shelton made his Australian Open semi-final debut but fell to Jannik Sinner in January. Later, at Wimbledon, he advanced to the quarter-finals for his first time at the tournament, again succumbing to Sinner. Impressively, from the onset of the North American hard-court season, Shelton has reached at least the quarter-finals in every event he has entered.
Strong Performances In Recent ATP Events Build Momentum
Shelton’s performance includes a semi-final appearance at the Washington Open, followed by a breakthrough final at the Canadian Open, an ATP Masters 1000 event. There, he defeated Karen Khachanov in three sets to claim his third career title. Currently competing at the Cincinnati Open, Shelton has maintained his strong form and progressed to the quarter-finals.
Lindsay Davenport Highlights Shelton’s Potential as a Crowd Favorite and Grand Slam Winner
In a recent Tennis Channel podcast, Lindsay Davenport praised Shelton’s dynamic game and athleticism, emphasizing his ability to energize the crowd and overpower opponents. She expressed optimism that Shelton’s skill set and excitement on court could generate the necessary momentum for an American man to capture a Grand Slam title soon.
“Ben Shelton has that type of game where he can take the racket out of his opponent’s hand. He’s got big weapons. He’s such an explosive athlete. He lights up the stadium as well. So all of a sudden, if you get on a roll in New York and you’re Ben, he had the crowd behind him in Canada. If he can play that high-level tennis and have the crowd behind him… we could have an American male Grand Slam champion here pretty soon.” —Lindsay Davenport, Tennis Legend
Challenging Strong US Open Favorites but Positioned to Advance Deep
The current US Open favorites include Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, followed closely by Novak Djokovic. Despite this elite competition, Shelton is seen as a formidable contender. A strong Cincinnati Open run could elevate him to World No.5, a ranking that may help him avoid meeting top names like Sinner and Alcaraz until at least the quarter-finals in New York, improving his chances of a deep tournament run.
Continued Success at Cincinnati Open Reinforces Shelton’s Confidence
At the Cincinnati Open, Shelton remained unbeaten as he defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals. Notably, Shelton has not lost a set at this tournament, despite challenging humid conditions, showcasing his physical and mental resilience.
He explained his recent winning streak in an on-court interview, attributing it to a mix of confidence, hunger, and constant self-improvement:
“I’m hungry. I’m in a good rhythm. I’m playing good tennis and my body feels good. I think the confidence, along with not being satisfied, wanting to prove myself over and over every time that I’m out on the court, and having things that I want to get better at, is a huge motivation for me, and it pushes me every match.” —Ben Shelton, Professional Tennis Player
Upcoming Match Against Alexander Zverev and Career Head-to-Head
Shelton’s current record for the season stands at 35 wins against just six losses, reflecting his steady rise. His next challenge at Cincinnati will be against Alexander Zverev, a top German player who leads their head-to-head series 3-0. This match will be a significant test for Shelton as he aims to reach the semi-finals and continue building momentum ahead of the US Open.
US Open Prospects and Potential Impact on American Men’s Tennis
With each strong showing in high-profile tournaments, Ben Shelton is closing the gap on the established elite while rallying support as a genuine American hopeful. Lindsay Davenport’s endorsement underscores Shelton’s appeal not only due to his powerful game but also his ability to captivate fans, an essential element for a player competing in a Grand Slam on home soil.
Should Shelton continue his upward trajectory, he stands a real chance of becoming the first American male singles champion at the US Open in over two decades. His performances in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether he can fulfill this promising potential and inspire the next generation of American tennis players.