Ben Shelton could potentially be the next major force in American men’s tennis and the player to finally end the United States’ 21-year Grand Slam drought, according to former player and commentator Patrick McEnroe. Since Andy Roddick’s US Open victory in 2003, no American male has claimed a Grand Slam singles title, despite strong showings from players like Taylor Fritz, who reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open this year. While Fritz has cemented his place as the national No. 1 with consistent performances, McEnroe believes Shelton may be the more promising prospect for a major title in the future.
The ongoing quest for a new American Grand Slam champion has been a significant storyline in men’s tennis. The last American male to win a major was Roddick, who claimed his first and only Slam title at the 2003 US Open. His victory capped a strong period for American men’s tennis, following in the footsteps of legends like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Since then, American women have dominated the Slam scene with champions like Serena Williams and more recently Coco Gauff, while the American men have yet to return to those heights. Taylor Fritz’s recent US Open final marked the first time an American man reached that stage in 15 years, but Patrick McEnroe has his eye on Shelton, a rising star whose athleticism and playing style could position him as the next American breakthrough on the global stage.
In a recent interview on the *Inside-In* podcast, McEnroe discussed the strengths and potential of America’s rising tennis talents, focusing on Shelton, Sebastian Korda, and Fritz. While Korda and Fritz are often noted for their technical skill and consistency, McEnroe believes Shelton has a unique edge. “I’ve always been high on Korda, but he just seems a little bit fragile physically,” McEnroe explained, noting that Korda’s recurrent injuries have hindered his ability to remain competitive in major tournaments. “You’ve got Fritz who’s the most consistent American guy. But I think a lot of things have to break right for Fritz to win a Major,” he continued. Despite Fritz’s consistency, which has seen him advance to quarterfinals in multiple Slams, McEnroe believes it’s Shelton who stands out as the player with the most potential for a major breakthrough.
Shelton’s star has been rising fast on the ATP Tour, and his recent performances at high-profile events have shown just how much promise he holds. At just 22 years old, he’s already achieved significant milestones, including a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open and a thrilling semifinal run at the US Open in 2023. Recently, Shelton climbed back into the top 20 ATP rankings after reaching the final at the Swiss Indoors in Basel, showcasing his resilience and adaptability across different surfaces and competition levels. Currently ranked No. 19, Shelton sits behind Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe in the American rankings, but many believe his unique skill set could soon propel him past his compatriots.
At the recent Laver Cup, Shelton faced off against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion and one of the most dynamic players on tour. While Shelton ultimately lost in straight sets, McEnroe was highly impressed by the American’s ability to go toe-to-toe with Alcaraz for extended stretches. “Watching him play that match with Alcaraz, he lost in straight sets, but the first 7-8 games—that was like tennis in a different stratosphere,” McEnroe said. “He couldn’t do it for two sets, and obviously, to be able to do it over five sets is another story, but he did it for eight games.” The commentator noted that Shelton’s ability to match Alcaraz’s shot-making and athleticism in those opening games is indicative of the young American’s potential to compete with the best in the sport.
McEnroe pointed out that Shelton has a rare combination of power and speed that allows him to play at a level many current players cannot match. Shelton’s explosive serve, which regularly exceeds 140 mph, is one of his primary weapons, and he’s shown remarkable skill in using his athleticism to track down balls and outmaneuver his opponents. His high-energy game and impressive physical abilities make him a formidable opponent on any surface, particularly on hard courts, where he has already found considerable success. For McEnroe, Shelton’s athleticism and shot-making prowess are factors that could eventually set him apart from other American hopefuls.
While Taylor Fritz has earned his status as the US No. 1 through consistent play and impressive runs in several major tournaments, his playing style tends to be more traditional and may lack the explosive unpredictability that Shelton brings to the court. Fritz has enjoyed a successful season, reaching quarterfinals at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon and making it to his first US Open final this September. His steady performance throughout the year has allowed him to climb to World No. 6, a position that has not been held by an American male in years. Yet, as McEnroe observed, Fritz’s game, while reliable, may lack the adaptability and raw potential needed to capture a Grand Slam title.
Shelton’s journey is still in its early stages, and he’ll need to continue refining his game and gaining experience in high-stakes matches if he’s to fulfill his potential. But for now, he represents the brightest hope for a future American champion in men’s tennis. McEnroe concluded his remarks by noting that Shelton’s attitude and self-belief are qualities that should serve him well as he navigates his path on the ATP Tour. “If he can do it for eight games and match Alcaraz in the athleticism department and the shot-making department, then maybe he is the guy,” McEnroe suggested.
Shelton’s trajectory has already captivated fans and analysts alike, and his potential to become “the guy” to break the American men’s Grand Slam drought is being recognized by some of the sport’s most experienced voices. If he continues to grow and learn from his experiences on the Tour, Shelton could soon join the ranks of America’s tennis legends. As he prepares for the next season, expectations are high, and many believe that he may soon be lifting a Grand Slam trophy, bringing American men’s tennis back to the top of the global stage.