Shelton ends Dominic Thiem's Grand Slam journey with dominant Win at US Open

Ben Shelton signs off Dominic Thiem’s farewell at the US Open with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory, comfortably advancing to the second round of the tournament. The American No. 3 delivered a resounding win over the former world No. 3, who is in the season of his farewell and had his last appearance in a Grand Slam main draw.

The 2020 US Open champion has experienced a gradual decline in the rankings since his prime years in tennis. Between 2016 and 2021, he was one of the main challengers to the Big-3, but a right wrist injury complicated his career, and he never returned to the level that took him to world No. 3 and a Grand Slam title in the era of Djokovic – Nadal – Federer.

In the first set, both players remained evenly matched for much of the set. Shelton (No. 13) was nearly flawless, serving at 77% and winning 88% of those points, while Thiem (No. 210) managed only 39% on his first serve, which proved costly towards the end of the set.

A single break in the 9th game allowed Shelton to secure the 6-4 advantage in an almost perfect set for him, as he gave up just two points on serve and recorded 14 winners (compared to just 4 from his opponent). The American constantly sought to come to the net to avoid exchanges with the Austrian.

Shelton had his first service doubts at the start of the second set, while Thiem got his first break chance, but couldn’t capitalize. The American quickly responded with a break and took a 3-0 lead. Thiem fought to hold his serve for a couple of games and saved several break points, but Shelton eventually secured his second break and closed out the set 6-2.

With everything against Thiem, he entered the third set again struggling with his serve, landing less than 50% of his first serves and winning less than 50% of them. Shelton was aggressive on return and superior in long rallies.

This led to a break in the 4th game, creating an almost insurmountable lead for Thiem, who has long been far from the level that made him one of the best players in the world for many years. Finally, Shelton secured another break and closed the match 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

Despite the result, it was a more than dignified farewell for Thiem, who was able to return to Arthur Ashe Stadium, this time with a large crowd, and play against one of the local favorites in his retirement season. Shelton, on the other hand, advances and will face the winner of Luca Nardi (No. 90) and Roberto Bautista Agut (No. 67).