"We got something to chase" : Ben Shelton looks ahead to that illusive major title

The US Open starts soon, with American tennis finding itself in a familiar predicament where women are consistently delivering Grand Slam triumphs with the men’s side plagued by a two-decade-long drought. The last male American to lift a Major title was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open. A gap that, in sporting terms, has become a talking point.

Enter Ben Shelton, the 22-year-old prodigy who, with his young, infectious confidence and raw power, seems set to help break these struggles. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Shelton admitted there’s nothing to say back when reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff "talks smack" about her own slam prowess, because American men simply haven’t been in a position to replicate it.

"They’ve had us for forever… we got something to chase." In that brief statement, Shelton acknowledged the broader disparity head-on; while also framing the hunger he feels to replicate her form on the men’s stage.

Shelton’s momentum this season has been sensational. After reaching the semifinals at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open, he secured his first Master’s 1000 title at the Canadian Open becoming the youngest American to do so since Andy Roddick at Indian Wells in 2005. His rise to a career-high world No. 6 in August 2025 further cemented his progress.

Shelton’s breakthrough has not just been about winning, it’s about mindset and bringing a new found energy back to the tour. He emphasizes the value of facing the best in the later rounds of tournaments, viewing each tough match as a chance to identify weaknesses and grow tougher under pressure.

In addition, peers and pundits alike recognize his potential. ESPN describes him as “poised to be the next big thing in American men’s tennis”. Analysts rank him among players with realistic shots at Grand Slam glory at the US Open, alongside Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, Tommy Paul notes that despite narrowing the gap with Europe, American men remain overshadowed by European dominance without a Major title to show for it, but Fritz’s US Open final run should ignite belief across the board.

Even with his meteoric rise, Shelton knows the path to a slam is no easy road. At the 2025 Australian Open, he was halted in the semis by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, showing both the level of competition ahead and the progress needed. Moreover, fan commentary reflects both excitement and tempered expectations.

These voices arrestingly summarise the challenge: Shelton’s raw talent and serve are elite but a Slam requires consistency, depth, and clutch execution across two weeks, not to mention navigating a draw stacked with the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz who recently have dominated the sport.

Yet, Shelton remains clear-eyed and driven. Fresh off his Canadian triumph, he described his approach: embrace the early tests, stay relentless, and let experience sharpen his edge

Shelton’s remarks about chasing after the women’s dominance epitomized by Gauff’s slam successes rings less like resignation and more like motivation. With a supportive generation of peers such as Fritz, Tiafoe, Paul, Korda and the weight of history behind them, American men’s tennis feels like it's on the brink of a turning point. Roddick’s reminder from 20 years on that evolving tactics and not just talent, will be key still provides motivation.  

In that sense, Shelton isn't just chasing his own breakthrough; he's chasing a mantle, one to end a long drought, reigniting American men's legacy, and proving that the “inevitable” Major, as he phrases it, may finally be within reach.

The draw for the US Open takes place on the 21st of August, with Shelton looking ahead to who stands in the way of that illusive major title.