Ben Shelton Learns from U.S. Open Final Experience

Ben Shelton faced a challenging day on Sunday in New York, but his resilient attitude remained unchanged. At 23 years old, Shelton thrives on confidence and the power of body language, a trait honed through team sports. His ability to engage with a lively crowd enhances his skills and competitive spirit.

Shelton cherishes the chance to compete in tournament finales, likening the experience to an addiction. Despite losing to Alexander Zverev in the U.S. Open final, Shelton marveled at the electric atmosphere of the nearly 24,000-strong audience. He aimed to end a 23-year drought in American men’s Grand Slam titles, notably becoming the first Black man to play in the U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.

“Walking out on that court today, there’s nothing like it. I’ve never felt anything like that before,” Shelton said during a news conference on Sunday.
“It’s an addicting feeling, being in positions like this.”

Although Zverev proved a tough opponent, Shelton’s experience is a blueprint for his forthcoming career phase. This summer marked a significant test, following Shelton’s breakout in 2023 with a strong serve and ability to thrive in critical matches. He reached the Australian Open quarterfinals and U.S. Open semifinals that year.

Four seasons on, Shelton faced challenges with his return game, prompting reflection and evolution. His defeats in the French Open and Wimbledon reinforced this need for growth. Despite these setbacks, Shelton remained motivated, training intensely in Florida under Gabe Echevarria’s guidance.

“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. You know, it’s motivating,” Shelton said Sunday.

With training throughout July, Shelton refocused on early tournament rounds with clarity about his on-court identity, aided by his father and coach, Bryan Shelton. Improvements in Shelton’s return game highlighted tactical understanding.

“I think tactically, he understands what returning is about now,” Bryan Shelton said in a news conference Friday.
“… He knows how to change positions based on the serve that he’s receiving. He knows where he should be on the deuce court. He knows where he should stand on the ad court. That’s the starting point. Then he knows what he’s trying to do with the return. So I think having the understanding is most important, and then you’ve got to get the reps.”

Shelton’s late entry into serious tennis at age 9 and quitting football at age 12 mark him as an underdog. This path instills humility in refining his game despite confident appearances.

“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. I’m a late bloomer. That’s just the way that it’s always been. It’s no different now,” Shelton said.

Despite adjustments against Zverev, some challenges stem from the German’s return positioning and athletic build. Zverev’s height and skill allow him to neutralize Shelton’s power serve and capitalize on his exceptional backhand during rallies. Shelton’s counter strategies demanded high precision throughout the five-set match.

Reflecting on the match, Shelton identified the need to bolster fundamental aspects of play, such as his forehand.

“I wasn’t accurate with it when I attacked with it. I made too many errors when I had the ball there on my strings. …I wasn’t great in transition. I made too many errors, and I think that’s the big piece from me. I want to be more lethal with my forehand,” Shelton said.

Experiencing an American Grand Slam final provided Shelton with valuable lessons. He didn’t feel discouraged by defeat but found motivation and direction for his quest.

“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. I think that it’s an ongoing process for me. That’s the way I see it,” Shelton said.
“I don’t think I’m anywhere near the player that I want to be.”