Shelton sends a warning to Zverev before the US Open final

Ben Shelton has defeated Frances Tiafoe to reach his first Grand Slam final at the US Open 2026. There was no better scenario to do it: against his friend, in front of his crowd, and at his favorite tournament. This year, the American tennis player has taken a step forward in his career, raising his level and showing that he is ready for great things. In fact, in a press conference, he sent a warning to Zverev to make it clear that he is prepared to defeat him for the first time in his career.

So far, Shelton and Zverev have faced each other 5 times, and all 5 have gone to the German's side. In fact, 'Sascha' will be the favorite for the final considering his experience in these types of matches, having lifted his first Grand Slam this year and having reached 3 of the 4 Grand Slam finals held in 2026. However, Ben is at the best moment of his career, and he has shown confidence that he can pull off an upset due to the evolution he has made in his tennis and the tournament he is having, where he has also defeated other players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas or Carlos Alcaraz for the first time.

Shelton reveals his feelings after reaching the US Open final

Yes, it’s amazing to be in this situation. I am very excited, especially for my team, because I have so many people supporting me who have spent a lot of time with me and dedicated their lives to my progress, my improvement, and my tennis. So I am very happy for my team at this moment, but obviously, this doesn’t end here. The work is not yet finished. I am looking forward to having another chance to step onto the court and give my best on Sunday.

A dream moment at the start of his career

Yes, totally. Honestly, I was surprised at how calm I felt today on the court, especially towards the end of the match. Calm, confident, and focused. I think that’s what it takes to be in these situations and win at the highest level. It’s a very mental thing. I don’t know, it’s a curious feeling. In the last match I won, I definitely experienced a feeling of euphoria; I felt on top of the world. In this match, however, I felt much more methodical in my approach and focus; I was able to finish it off as I did, and now I can turn the page and think about the final.

How he approaches the final on Sunday

For me, this entire tournament has been uncharted territory so far. I find myself in situations I have never been in before. I have defeated opponents —one or several— whom I have never managed to beat. I am simply excited to give it my all on the court. I mean, yes, I can think about how great this moment is and what is at stake. But, after all, I am here in New York, spending time with my team, with my friends, playing a bit of tennis, and I have managed to take some pressure off the moment quite well. I believe I have wonderful people around me who help keep my feet on the ground, focused, and humble; and I think that... well, I want to appreciate these moments, I don’t want to take them lightly. But, at the same time, I am tackling all of this with a very professional mindset.

Shelton talks about the nerves he may have in the final against Zverev

I think I handle these important situations well, or at least I have throughout my career. I feel that confidence and conviction take over. The nerves are always there; it’s something you have to know how to deal with. For me, the nerves are present in both the first round and the semifinals, and I am sure it will be the same in the final. It’s something to overcome, but in my case, I am enjoying the moment.

I am facing the number 1 seed in a Grand Slam final; I am playing against a Grand Slam champion while trying to get my first title. There are many reasons why this is a pleasant moment for me, and knowing that I can leave it all on the court, push myself to the absolute limit in every way, and see what I am capable of is a really exciting prospect.

Approach to the match against Tiafoe after beating Alcaraz

Having those two days was key. On the other hand, for me it’s easier when I’m in a full tournament. I think winning a title, going through the week or two weeks —however long the tournament lasts— is different from traveling to a new place and starting from scratch. That feels much harder for me. Once I find my rhythm during a tournament and settle into my routines, everything becomes a little easier. I know that happens often in our sport. You manage to achieve an important victory and then you suffer a downturn and don’t play as well in the next match. It has certainly happened to me before. I think it's something that happens to everyone. 

I feel that I am in a very good mental place. I am managing well what comes up, and I think that is what’s needed to maintain the good streak and find a way to push through the matches; especially on nights like tonight, when I felt my opponent was playing wonderfully and posing me many problems. From my side of the net, I had to look for solutions. I had to change my style of play and find a way to overcome the situation. But, yes, you have to acknowledge Frances’ merit: for how he has played this summer, for the person he is, for being the friend he is, and for being a player and a star. It’s a pleasure to share the court with him. Sorry, I went off topic and that wasn’t what you were asking, but greetings, Foe.

Personal and game maturity

It’s everything. It’s the emotions. It’s how I train. It’s how I practice. It’s also the way I compete, my ability to stay focused. It’s my sleeping habits, my eating habits... everything. I think, you know, you have to... you have to be excellent in all aspects to be a champion in this sport, and it’s clear —looking at those who have paved the way and those who have succeeded before— to what extremes you have to go to try to become the best. I have never been so committed to my tennis career or to being the best version of myself. I have always worked very hard, but I think it’s in all those little complementary aspects that I have made the most progress lately.

Shelton talks about the key to beating Zverev for the first time

The key here has been knowing how to solve problems. I had a record of 0-1 against Tsitsipas and 0-3 against Carlos; Foe beat me the last time we played on this court. It has been, you know, an uphill battle, so I think I am fully prepared for the challenge of finding solutions. Yes, I feel like I am a different player. I feel that I have many more tools. I feel that I know my identity, I feel comfortable with myself, and I know what I need to play tennis at the highest level. It’s not that I’m going to step onto the court every day and everything will come out perfectly and flow from the first moment, but I think that’s where the difficulty of our sport lies, and also its beauty. So yes, I face the challenge with enthusiasm, eager to solve the problems that arise on Sunday. I know what I am up against, and I also feel more confident than ever in my game.

Reaching a Grand Slam final alongside his father

Yes, it’s great. Year after year having him, you know, by my side traveling the world, living these moments together... it’s fantastic. We face losses with grace and seek to improve. We enjoy the victories together, but we are a focused team. He thinks long-term; he cares much more about the process than the results. I think that’s why we’ve formed such a good team. Yes, it has been a very rewarding experience for both of us.

A new level in his tennis

I feel that there are still so many aspects where I have a long way to go; however, I believe I have made significant improvements and changes in some key areas to compete at the highest level. The rest, stability from the baseline, and even my own serve —as well as the way I approach my service games— have improved; also my ability to maintain concentration over long periods. All of these factors have come together and helped me play at the current level. But I think that drive and willingness to better myself, to look for ways to improve, are simply part of my essence and something that will never change.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shelton manda un aviso a Zverev antes de la final del US Open