Ben Shelton finds himself on the cusp of becoming the first American to clinch the US Open men’s singles title since 2003 after getting past Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final and previously overcoming Carlos Alcaraz in one of the most thrilling matches of the competition. Speaking in an interview shared by JioStar, Shelton reflected on his semi-final win, his confidence and belief going into the Final, and having the crowd backing him as he takes on top seed Alexander Zverev.
Ben Shelton reflected on qualifying for the US Open 2026 Final after beating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final:
“Really happy to close it out the way I did in four sets. I definitely didn’t want to have five sets on my body going into the finals, but I thought I played a clean match. Tiafoe also played outstandingly and pushed me in so many ways. So, to be able to get through that one and win three sets in a row after dropping the first, I couldn’t be happier.”
On scripting history being the first black American man to reach the US Open Final since Arthur Ashe:
“It means everything. A lot of people have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position that I’m in today. My whole family, both sides of my family, have gone through a lot to give not only my parents, but also us grandkids, the opportunities that we’ve had. I think that’s always what I’m thinking about and what I’m grateful for when it really comes down to it. I think about the people who’ve backed me and been in my corner. Making history and being a part of history is pretty great, but obviously, the job’s not finished.”
On his confidence and belief after reaching the final, having beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final:
“I’m ready to go. It’s going to be a war on Sunday. I’m going to leave it all on the court. Win or lose, obviously, I’m going to be proud of myself and what I’ve done, but this is the dream. This is what I’m playing for now. It’s right in front of me, and I’m definitely not going to take my foot off the gas. My team and I think about things long-term. We’re not looking for instant gratification. I know I still have so much further to go as a tennis player and to become the best version of myself, but it is right there, one more match, and, like I said, I’ll leave everything on the court.”
On having the crowd backing him against the top-seed Alexander Zverev in the Final:
“The crowd will certainly be loud, backing me. New York is such a cool sports city. There’s such a great sports culture here, and I think there’s a lot of American pride, so I’ll definitely be looking to use that and play the best match that I can.”
