Ben Shelton enters the 2025 US Open with a surge of confidence after notable successes on the ATP Tour this season. Having captured his first Masters 1000 title at the National Bank Open in Toronto and building on that by reaching the quarterfinals at Cincinnati, the 22-year-old American is focused on achieving his inaugural Grand Slam victory. This tournament represents more than just another competition; Shelton has made it clear that the US Open 2025 is the defining moment he has been preparing for.
Confidence Fuels Shelton’s Ambition and Tournament Strategy
Shelton’s recent achievements have propelled him to a career-high world No. 6 ranking, reshaping how he views his potential on the court. Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Shelton emphasized the importance of this event to him, expressing an eagerness and readiness to perform at his best.
Really looking forward to it. You know, this is the biggest tournament of the year for me. This is the one. I put a lot of work into being in a good place when I got here. Feeling confident about my game. Feel really good and prepared going into this tournament, so… Feel great. Just excited to get out there, see what happens,
he said.
Seeded sixth, Shelton’s opening match is against a qualifier or lucky loser, providing a manageable start. The second round could see him face Pablo Carreño Busta, followed possibly by Jordan Thompson or Corentin Moutet in the third. As the rounds progress, competition stiffens with potential opponents including Adrian Mannarino or Tallon Griekspoor in round four. The quarterfinal path might involve Jiri Lehecka or Casper Ruud, with the prospect of a high-profile showdown against No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz looming if both advance.
Focused Lifestyle Changes Have Sharpened Shelton’s Game
Shelton credits a major personal decision for helping him maintain the mental clarity that has been crucial to his recent breakthroughs. After winning his first Masters 1000 title by defeating Karen Khachanov, he revealed the role that stepping away from certain distractions has played in his focus.
I’m doing a pretty good job. A huge one for me is deleting Twitter two years ago… The best decision of my life. I haven’t looked on anything on Twitter in the last two years. You can go down some rabbit holes on Twitter… So I don’t look at Twitter at all,
he explained during an interview with Prakash Amritraj on Tennis Channel.
While Shelton withdrew from Twitter, he continues to engage with fans and share updates through Instagram, balancing his public presence with the discipline he believes is needed to compete at the highest level. This approach underlines his understanding of the psychological demands of professional tennis.
What Lies Ahead for Shelton at the US Open 2025
Entering the US Open with a focused mindset and a string of impressive results, Shelton positions himself as a serious contender on home soil. His rise reflects the impact of his rigorous preparation and mental discipline, suggesting that this year’s tournament could mark a major milestone in his career. If he continues on his current trajectory, the tennis world may witness Shelton capturing his first Grand Slam title in New York, fulfilling the promise he has boldly declared.