The US Open final exposed exactly what Ben Shelton still needs to fix

The US Open final showcased the key aspects of the hurdles Ben Shelton must still overcome in his tennis career. Alexander Zverev emerged victorious, defeating Shelton in a lackluster four-set match, which left the American men's tennis drought seemingly endless. Despite Shelton's best efforts, he was unable to mount a strong comeback, with his only win occurring in the third set tiebreak.

The German player's strategic approach, coupled with his exceptional serving skills, ultimately proved too much for Shelton to handle. Shelton's return game, currently the weakest among ATP Top 50 players, played a significant role in his defeat. Zverev's dominance was evident in both his serving and his ability to dictate the pace of the match.

In order for Shelton to improve his chances of winning a major title, he must focus on becoming a more effective returner and avoid being overly reliant on his serve. While there have been some promising performances from American players in recent years, the overall quality of the men's game continues to improve, making the competition fiercer.

The article expresses a degree of optimism about the future prospects for American men in tennis, but also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead for players like Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Taylor Fritz.