Ben Shelton will be the American who finally breaks the drought.
No American ATP player has won a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick’s triumph at the 2003 US Open. That’s over 20 years without a major championship.
Taylor Fritz came close at the 2024 US Open, losing to Jannik Sinner in the final. Before that, no American man had even reached a Major final since Roddick’s heartbreaking five-set loss to Roger Federer at 2009 Wimbledon.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Shelton | 23 | 2,590 | 19 - 11 |
But despite Fritz getting closer than anyone in the past 15 years, Ben Shelton is more likely than his compatriot – or any other American male – to be the next Grand Slam champion.
Here’s why.
His serve is about to become even more important
Several top players have been complaining about the balls used in recent years. Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev think they’ve gotten heavier much more quickly in matches since COVID hit.
Zverev also believes courts are being made slower to suit Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. While there’s some variation in court speeds, major changes seem pretty unlikely anytime soon.
Here’s the thing though – heavier balls actually make Shelton’s serve more important, not less.
Only Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has a more devastating serve than the 23-year-old American. Shelton’s ability to consistently win free points isn’t just critical in individual matches.
It’ll help him avoid his body breaking down over the season due to tennis’s intense, jam-packed schedule.
Players like Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Jack Draper, and Fritz have been calling louder for schedule changes. But the ATP has already signed long-term contracts and announced a future Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia.
Changes seem unlikely.
If that’s true, players who rely on lengthy rallies to win matches will find it tougher to challenge for Grand Slams. Shelton’s outstanding serve will help him stay the course better than others.
His confidence gives him an edge over other Americans
Some players and fans find Shelton irritating or arrogant.
Remember Novak Djokovic mocking his celebration at the 2023 US Open? Or when Shelton called a doubles opponent "so soft" after getting complaints about hitting him in the chest?
Many others love Shelton’s personality and think he’s great for tennis. No one can deny he consistently draws large crowds who enjoy watching his electrifying game.
Shelton doesn’t hide that he believes in himself. That contrasts sharply with tennis’s usual modest approach of not wanting to draw attention.
But that outward confidence might help him get over the line on the biggest stages.
Fritz has been America’s No. 1 for a few years and deserves huge credit for his achievements. But he generally falls into the more modest category.
It doesn’t feel like the world No. 6’s belief is naturally as high as Shelton’s.
The same goes for other Americans like Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda. Frances Tiafoe’s personality is more aligned with Shelton’s, but he’s struggled with form lately. His best level also isn’t as high as Shelton’s.
In today’s era of Alcaraz and Sinner playing at such a ridiculous level, only players who stay confident through setbacks are likely to win Grand Slams.
Shelton’s the most likely American to pull that off.
He’s got plenty of time to get better
Shelton definitely needs to make some technical improvements in the coming years.
Despite having an excellent serve, his current game makes it tough to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner. His backhand, movement, and defensive skills need the most work.
If he improves those areas, his serve, volleying, and aggressive hitting will become even more dangerous weapons.
At 23, he can work on those weaknesses for several years without worrying if improvements don’t happen immediately.
Shelton’s rapid rise offers hope he can make quick improvements. He was ranked outside the Top 500 at the end of 2021, but moved into the Top 100 twelve months later.
He reached No. 5 in November before slipping to No. 9 after an underwhelming 2025 ATP Finals. Still, finishing in the Top 10 shows his enhanced level.
He’ll be determined to get even better in 2026.
