Ben Shelton's defeat extends US men's Grand Slam drought

On September 13, the United States men's Grand Slam drought extended by 24 years, as German player Alexander Zverev triumphed over American Ben Shelton in the U.S. Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Shelton, who was not even a year old when the last American won the U.S. Open in 2003, was eliminated 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, and 6-2. Zverev expressed his satisfaction with his performance, saying, "I did my job. Beating the American men is a job global tennis has performed quite well over the last quarter century."

The U.S. men have rarely reached championship finals, with the last American winner being Andy Roddick in 2003. Beyond the men's game, women's stars like Venus and Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys captured titles. The U.S. men's progression post-Roddick's final was marred by a wait of 15 years for Taylor Fritz to contend a title match before Zverev's victory.

Ben Shelton, the first Black American man to play in the New York final in 54 years, expressed his disappointment and eagerness to experience the thrill of competing on the biggest stage.