Ben Shelton: “I Don’t Think I’m Anywhere Near the Player That I Want to Be” — American Male Grand Slam Drought Reaches 8,408 Days as Zverev Claims US Open Title

The prolonged title drought for American men at Grand Slam events ticked upward to 8,408 days on Sunday afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium. In his maiden major singles final, 23-year-old Ben Shelton fell to top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in two hours and 44 minutes.

Attempting to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles crown since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy at the 2003 US Open—and the first Black man to win a major since tournament namesake Arthur Ashe at the 1968 US Open—Shelton found himself constrained by early nerves before mounting a spirited fightback in the third set.

“Walking out on that court today, there’s nothing like it. I’ve never felt anything like that before,” a disappointed but composed Shelton reflected after the match. “It’s an addicting feeling being in positions like this. Obviously, for me, it sucked the last couple of Grand Slams sitting at home for 10, 11, 12 days while the tournament is still going on, watching everyone else run through the draw. It’s motivating. Losing in the final is also motivating.”

Momentum Shift Short-Lived Against Zverev’s Dominance

An off-form Shelton struggled early to contain Zverev, who held a 5-0 head-to-head record against the American entering Sunday’s final. Trailing two sets to love and facing elimination with Zverev serving for the match at 5-6 in the third set, Shelton seized on a late surge of energy from the New York crowd.

At 15-40, Zverev sent a forehand volley wide, handing Shelton the game and breaking to force a fourth set. However, having never rallied from two sets down in his professional career, Shelton was broken in his opening service game of the fourth frame and could not recover.

“I’ve always, my whole life, had guys out in front of me, guys that I’m chasing, guys that I’m trying to get on the same level as,” said Shelton, who will nevertheless rise to a career-high World No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday. “I’m a late bloomer. That’s just the way that it’s always been. It’s no different now.”

“I haven’t always been successful the very first time that I’ve been in finals, whether it was from when I was really young all the way up to the Challenger level and now the ATP, Grand Slam level. That it’s an ongoing process for me. I don’t think I’m anywhere near the player that I want to be.”

A Career-Defining Fortnight and Courtside Support

Despite the heartbreak in the final, Shelton’s run to the championship match represented a massive career leap. Highlights included his historic five-set victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz—a thriller that concluded at 3:33 a.m. as the latest finish in US Open history—and a tactical four-set semifinal triumph over Frances Tiafoe.

Adding to the drama of the afternoon was a high-speed dash by Shelton’s girlfriend, USWNT and Washington Spirit soccer star Trinity Rodman. After competing in a National Women’s Soccer League match in Washington, D.C., earlier in the day, Rodman made a 240-mile trek north to arrive in Shelton’s player box during the fourth set.

“It means everything. I knew she was coming. I knew it was going to be pretty close to impossible to get here, but even just making the effort and trying is insane,” Shelton said. “She kind of showed up as I was losing, which for her probably sucked. But we’ve made a lot of sacrifices for each other. We’ve traveled the world to try to support each other when we can… So many people have shown up for me, and that’s what this is all about.”

Watching from the stands was Roddick himself—the last American man to raise a Grand Slam trophy 23 years ago—as Zverev captured his second career major crown following his victory at Roland Garros earlier in the season.