Shelton dreams of ending US Grand Slam title drought

Ben Shelton would love to become the first American man to lift a Grand Slam trophy since Andy Roddick in 2003. But the son of former ATP player Bryan refuses to buy into the stress of trying to break the home title drought.

The world No. 6 made a breakthrough this month with a first Masters title in Toronto and is now listed locally as a title hopeful.

But Shelton, coached by his father, is trying just to stick to his routine.

“It’s important for me to find that state where I compete best and also enjoy myself. I think this summer I found that state I want to be in,”  he said prior to his first-round start against a qualifier.

“I’m never going to be the type of person who can just do their job robotically, without changing expression or showing any emotion.

“I play better when I show some emotion – every person is completely different.”

Shelton will be competing in his fourth New York edition with a surprise 2023 semi-final showing to his credit.

“It’s the big moment,” he said of his home major. “I’ve worked hard to be in good shape coming in. I feel confident in my game. I feel great. I’m excited to get out there and see what happens.”

The player retains confidence that sooner or later, either he or a compatriot will manage to lift the silverware.

“I think it’s just a matter of time for us. I’m looking forward to that, then we can move on to another question. 

“But I think there are a lot of players who could do it,” he said while name-checking 2024 Open finalist Taylor, Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul.

“This is my favorite tournament. There are a lot of players who can go deep here and play against the best in the world.”