Shelton relishing challenge of first Grand Slam final against Zverev

Ben Shelton expressed his enjoyment of competing in his first Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, stating that the unfamiliar environment has been a challenge he's relishing. The American player credited his recent consistency for propelling him to a semifinal appearance, where he defeated fellow American Frances Tiafoe with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.

Shelton secured his place in the final against top seed Alexander Zverev, marking a significant step in his quest to end a 23-year drought for an American man's singles title at the New York tournament. The 23-year-old also aims to become the first Black American man to win the title since Arthur Ashe in 1968. However, he knows that defeating Zverev, his sixth meeting thus far, will be crucial to achieving this milestone.

In his interview with reporters, Shelton described the entire tournament as "unchartered territory," as he faced opponents he had never before defeated. He expressed excitement about competing in the biggest matches of his career, emphasizing that while the nerves are present in every round, he is embracing the opportunity to test himself against the top-ranked player on the grandest stages of the sport.

Shelton acknowledged that the nerves are as intense in the first round as they are in the semis and finals, but he remains focused on enjoying the moment. He attributed his grounded and humble approach to the support of his team and friends, stating that he wants to cherish these experiences without taking them for granted. Despite the pressure, Shelton is determined to leave everything on the court and push himself to the absolute limit in pursuit of his ultimate goal.