New Delhi, September 13: Ben Shelton stands on the cusp of greatness as he looks to end the 23-year wait for an American men's singles champion at the US Open since Andy Roddick's title run in 2003. However, standing in between him and history is top seed Alexander Zverev.
Shelton booked his place in the US Open 2026 men's singles final after beating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals. Shelton had earlier defeated heavyweight Carlos Alcaraz in one of the most thrilling US Open matches played out in the tournament.
With a maiden US Open title in sight, Ben Shelton is braced for a fierce battle when he takes on Alexander Zverev in the US Open final on Sunday, with the American aware that a historic opportunity awaits him at Arthur Ashe
Stadium. Speaking ahead of the championship clash, Shelton described the occasion as a "war" and vowed to give everything he has on court.
"I'm ready to go. It's going to be a war on Sunday. I'm going to leave it all on the court," Shelton said in an interview shared by JioStar.
The 22-year-old has already enjoyed a breakthrough run in New York, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals before overcoming fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the last four. After losing the opening set against Tiafoe, Shelton showed remarkable composure to win the next three and book his place in his first Grand Slam final.
"I thought I played a clean match. Tiafoe also played outstandingly and pushed me in so many ways," Shelton said, reflecting on his semi-final victory.
US Open: Shelton Eyes History On Home Soil
Shelton's appearance in the final has added another significant chapter to American tennis. The United States has not had a male US Open champion since Andy Roddick won the title in 2003, while Shelton is the first Black American man since Arthur Ashe to reach the championship match at Flushing Meadows.
The achievement has deep personal significance for Shelton, who credited his family and supporters for helping him reach the biggest stage of his career.
"It means everything. A lot of people have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position that I'm in today," he said.
Despite the historic nature of his run, Shelton insists his focus remains firmly on the final rather than the significance of what he has already accomplished.
"Making history and being a part of history is pretty great, but obviously, the job's not finished," he added.
With Zverev standing between him and his maiden Grand Slam title, Shelton will also look to draw energy from the New York crowd.
"The crowd will certainly be loud, backing me. New York is such a cool sports city," Shelton said, confident that the home support can help him produce his best tennis when it matters most. One victory now separates Shelton from history, and the American is determined to leave nothing behind in pursuit of it.
Where To Watch US Open Finals?
Indian fans can catch all the live action from the US Open 2026 Men's Singles Finals on September 13, from 11:30 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports.
