John McEnroe picks the American who could seize the US Open if Alcaraz falters

Friday, 28 August 2026 at 08:30

John McEnroe believes the door could be wide open for American men's tennis at the US Open if Carlos Alcaraz is unable to make a deep run in New York, and he has identified Ben Shelton as the player best positioned to take advantage.

Alcaraz returned to competitive action this week after more than four months away with a wrist injury, partnering Serena Williams in the revamped US Open mixed doubles event. The pair reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic.

The Spaniard is still expected to compete in the singles draw, but questions remain over his readiness for the physical demands of best-of-five-set tennis.

With Jannik Sinner also sidelined with a knee injury and Novak Djokovic's physical condition another question mark, McEnroe sees an unusually open opportunity for the Americans.

McEnroe backs Shelton to take advantage

McEnroe, speaking on TODAY, admitted that Alcaraz's return is one of the stories he is most interested in, but suggested that his condition could have a major impact on the tournament.

“I am most excited about Carlos Alcaraz being back playing, he’s been hurt for four months. He had a wrist problem," McEnroe said.

“If he doesn’t go all the way, I think the door is more open for the American male players. I’d go with Ben Shelton. But there’s a couple of other guys, Frances Tiafoe.”

Ben Shelton of the United States kisses the trophy during the trophy ceremony after winning his Men’s Singles final match against Brandon Nakashima of the United States on day 13 of the ATP Masters 1000 National Bank Open

Shelton enters the tournament as the highest-ranked American at No. 9 in the world, having successfully defended his Canadian Open title earlier this summer. The 23-year-old has also already demonstrated that he can handle the pressure of a home Grand Slam, reaching the US Open semi-finals in 2023.

But McEnroe's prediction comes with a larger backdrop. American men's tennis has gone more than two decades without a Grand Slam singles champion, with Andy Roddick remaining the last American man to lift a major trophy at the 2003 US Open.

For McEnroe, the current generation has an opportunity to finally end that drought. “It would be nice to break that streak of 23 years of an American male not winning a major (last man Andy Roddick at 2023 US Open). What’s going on? You cannot be serious!”

A generation waiting for its moment

Shelton is not the only American with realistic ambitions in New York. Taylor Fritz reached the US Open final in 2024, while Tiafoe has also previously made the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.

Fritz currently sits at No. 10 in the rankings, with Tiafoe at No. 12, while Learner Tien and Brandon Nakashima are both inside the top 20. The ATP Race also reflects the depth of the group, with Shelton sixth, Tiafoe eighth and Fritz 10th.

Tiafoe has already made his own intentions clear, backing himself to go all the way in New York.

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The equation, however, could change dramatically depending on Alcaraz. The defending champion remains one of the biggest favourites whenever he enters a Grand Slam, but his long layoff means the Americans could have a rare chance to take control of the tournament.

And McEnroe has already made his choice: if the door opens, Shelton is the American he expects to walk through it.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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