Shelton, with everything at the US Open: "It is the most important tournament of the year for me"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 22 Aug 2025 | 19.54

Shelton, con todo al US Open: "Es el torneo más importante del año para mi". Foto: Gettyimages

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Ben Shelton is attracting a lot of attention at this US Open. The American, along with Carlos Alcaraz, is the player in the best form heading into the final Grand Slam of the season. After securing his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto, the Atlanta native displays a much more organized style of play, not solely relying on his serve and powerful forehand. He now knows when to choose the right shot and doesn't rush as much. With this new approach, he becomes one to watch in these two weeks of tennis in New York.

Number six in the world is aware of the pressure on his shoulders at this US Open. Although Taylor Fritz is the top-ranked American, the feeling is that Shelton has more weapons and possibilities to go further than his compatriot, who defends the final. Nevertheless, the American audience just wants to see one of their male players lift the trophy again, something that hasn't happened since Andy Roddick in 2003. The 22-year-old was asked about this during his Media Day, as well as the importance of this tournament in his career and the 'obligation' to defeat Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz in order to claim a Grand Slam title.

Excited to start the US Open

"I'm really looking forward to it. You know, this is the most important tournament of the year for me. It's the big moment. I've worked hard to be in good shape coming here. I feel confident in my game. I feel really good and prepared for this tournament, so I feel great. I'm excited to go out there and see what happens."

More focused on court, but without losing the emotional component

"I think that was more important to me when I was younger. I think deep down I'm an artist. But I've discovered the mental state I need to be in to concentrate and, at the same time, have fun. I'm never going to be the kind of person who can do their job robotically, without changing expression or showing any emotion. I think I play better when I show some emotion. Everyone is completely different. But for me, it's important to find that state where I compete better and also enjoy it. I think this summer I've found that state where I want to be."

Enjoys playing at Arthur Ashe

"I feel great in there when I hit the ball, so I really have no problem with the size of the court. I love it. I like to see the big stadium from above, especially when the stands are full. It's something I really look forward to."

Doesn't mind resting for two days due to the new format

"I always think, especially after a first-round match, that one day is enough to recover, but I wouldn't say having that second day off will harm me. If I win, what is it, on Monday, Tuesday, then the second round would be on Wednesday. I don't think it's that important. In my case, I played on Sunday in Paris. That was a bit different because then the guy in the second round withdrew. So, five days passed between my first two matches. That was much more complicated. But overall, I like to start early. I think it's an advantage to be in the early part of a Grand Slam, and then, at the end of the tournament, I don't know if it's between quarters and semis, you have two days off if you're in that early schedule. So, I'm not going to complain about that."

The pressure on American players to win the US Open

"I feel like there have been many players who have been close here. Frances Tiafoe always plays at another level when competing here. Taylor Fritz reached the final. I think Tommy Paul also plays very well here. This is my favorite tournament. I think there are many players, even some you haven't mentioned, who can go far here and face the best players in the world. I think it's just a matter of time for us. I think the media will keep asking questions and debating until that happens. I'm looking forward to that happening, then we can move on to another question. But yes, I think there are many players who could make it."

Focused on the first round before thinking about Alcaraz or Sinner

"If you want to win a major title today, you have to face one of the two. I take these tournaments step by step. I'm not one to look so far ahead. I focus on my first match, which I think is a preliminary phase. I focus on who my opponent is and getting through the first round. I think some people do well looking ahead on the draw, seeing who they will face and who they will meet in this round, if they have a good draw or a bad one. I just focus on the opponent in front of me. I think, for me, if I go too far ahead, the next thing is stumbling over my own feet and not even giving myself the chance to start. I'm focused on the first round. You know, we all know what has happened this year so far, and really in the past two years. But yes, I'm not looking that far ahead."

Balancing between enhancing strengths and improving weaknesses

"I think it's a combination. You shouldn't fixate too much on one thing. Once you get close enough to the tournament, you know what you're good at, what you can rely on, and those are the things you want to stick to. But for me, it's always a process of trying to improve and be better. I think it’s a mix. There are certain things you know you want to reinforce and not be a burden, but in critical moments there are certain plays, certain shots that I'm going to trust and seek. That's where I'll be fine, winning or losing."

Prepares his matches by watching videos of past encounters

"I think for me, in my evolution as a professional and as an athlete, being smarter in preparation and what I do in the days before or on the same day, watching videos has been very important. I think it's really important. I think it's important to be able to visualize what you're doing on the court and see the things you want to do and the plays you want to make before doing them"

"That has been very important to me. Once I get to that point where I've seen those things and I'm clear on what I want to do on the court, I'm much calmer before entering the match. I'm not thinking or doubting about how I want to play or what I want to do on the court. I feel good just stepping onto the court, trusting myself, and not overthinking," assures a more motivated than ever Ben Shelton to fight for his first Grand Slam and break the 23-year drought in American tennis.

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