Shelton secures his best ranking and threatens Alcaraz

Ben Shelton has many reasons to celebrate. After defeating Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals of the US Open, the American tennis player has reached his first Grand Slam final, and he will do so in front of his home crowd at his favorite tournament. Furthermore, this result will allow him to achieve the best ranking of his career, bringing him closer to Carlos Alcaraz after months of the Spanish player's absence. 

This season, Shelton has won 4 tournaments on 3 different surfaces, demonstrating his consistency and good form. Although he did not achieve the expected results at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, as well as in much of the Masters 1000, it has overall been a great season for him and his team, which has been reflected in the rankings. Throughout 2026, Shelton's position has hovered around the number 5 in the world, but after the US Open, he has secured the number 4 position regardless of what happens in the final.

Shelton, one victory away from securing the ATP Finals

If he loses to Alexander Zverev, Shelton will have 4,680 points, while if he wins, he will accumulate 5,380. This figure would leave him only 180 points behind Carlos Alcaraz (5,560), making the final stretch of the year exciting for both. The American tennis player has taken a giant leap in his career and has shown that he is ready to face anyone and fight for all titles at just 23 years old. 

On the other hand, there is the Race to Turin, which reflects all the points earned throughout the year. There, Shelton does surpass Alcaraz and is ranked number 3, and if he wins the US Open, he would secure his presence in the ATP Finals in Turin. So far, only Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev have that privilege, so it would be another milestone for him. 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shelton se asegura su mejor ránking y amenaza a Alcaraz