Shelton Comes Up Short Men’s Final
By: Shara Talia Taylor
Ben Shelton, of the United States, had an impressive climb to the US Open Men’s Tennis Championship match, but fell to Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Sept. 13.
Shelton became the first Black man to reach the US Open finals since Arthur Ashe and the second American man to play in the US Open since Andy Roddick (U.S. player Taylor Fritz fell to Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open final match). Shelton struggled with unforced errors in the match, and although he had been complimented for his serves during the tournament, he attributed the loss to Zverev’s serve.
“He’s got the best serve in tennis,” he said in his post match interview about what made Zverev difficult. “He’s got a lot of length, so he returns really well. Solid from the baseline.”
Shelton had 10 total aces and Zverev had nine in the match. Shelton had more unforced errors, 47 compared to Zverev’s 31. Zverev took home a prize of $5.5 million.
“I think most of my tennis is through hard work, through a lot of hours spent on the court, and through a lot of hours spent in the gym and on the track,” Zverev said about his own game following the match when Shelton complimented him on being the hardest working player.
Shelton defeated Tallon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz, Denis Shapovalov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz, and fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4–6, 6–3, 6–3, 7–5 in the semifinals to reach the final tournament.
Ahead of this year’s tournament Shelton and Tiafoe faced each other twice in singles matches at the Grand Slam tournaments, both at the US Open. Shelton won in 2023 and Tiafoe 2024. Neither has won a Grand Slam singles title just yet. Tiafoe, in 2022, became the first Black American man to reach the US Open semifinals since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
“I’ve got to give it to Ben,” said Tiafoe following their match. “Served really well tonight, which made it really tough for me, and I didn’t serve great.”
The crowd roared with cheers for Shelton throughout the final’s match this year, through him both winning points and struggling times. He found success with smart shots as he approached the net.
Following the match he first thanked his coaching/business team, family, friends and support team. His girlfriend Olympic gold medalist, professional soccer star, and daughter of former NBA player Dennis Rodman, Trinity Rodman stood in support of him with tears in her eyes. She attended the tennis tournament following her own game.
“I’m just getting started,” Shelton said on the court after the match to fans and New York City. “I’ll be back here again.”
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