Patrick McEnroe, brother of tennis legend and former world No. 1 John McEnroe, has voiced his belief that young American star Ben Shelton could be the player to end the prolonged drought in men’s singles Grand Slam titles for the United States. Ranked at No. 23, Shelton is widely regarded as one of the most talented and promising players on the men’s tour, often mentioned in the same breath as other young stars like Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner. With a powerful serve and impressive athleticism, Shelton has captured attention as a potential game-changer for American men’s tennis, and Patrick McEnroe believes that he may indeed be the one to bring home a Grand Slam title.
In a recent interview, McEnroe discussed Shelton’s potential, noting that while several American players show promise, Shelton stands out as the most likely to break the Grand Slam barrier. “I’d like to say there’s a younger American who could do it,” McEnroe shared. “I’ve always been high on Sebastian Korda, but he just seems a little bit fragile physically. He can’t quite stay healthy enough to be a factor in a big tournament.” Korda, who has faced a series of injuries over the past year, had been viewed as a strong contender but has struggled to maintain the physical resilience necessary for deep runs at major events.
McEnroe also acknowledged Taylor Fritz, the current highest-ranked American, who has shown impressive consistency on the ATP Tour and reached the quarterfinals of the US Open. However, McEnroe was cautious in his assessment of Fritz’s Grand Slam prospects, saying, “Fritz is the most consistent American guy. I think a lot of things have to break right for Fritz to win a Major, but he got to the US Open final; that was a hell of an effort.” Despite Fritz’s consistent performances and strong showing at the US Open, McEnroe suggests that his success depends heavily on a favorable set of circumstances rather than sheer dominance.
Shelton, on the other hand, has shown flashes of brilliance that set him apart. McEnroe emphasized Shelton’s athleticism, which he considers unmatched by most players on the tour. Reflecting on Shelton’s performance at the Laver Cup, McEnroe said, “Watching him play that match with Alcaraz was something else. He lost in straight sets, but the first seven to eight games were like tennis in a different stratosphere.” Although Shelton eventually lost, McEnroe was impressed with his ability to match Alcaraz’s intensity and skill, even if only for part of the match. McEnroe added, “He couldn’t do it for two sets, and obviously, doing it over five sets is another story, but he did it for eight games. So, if he can do it for eight games and match Alcaraz in the athleticism and shot-making departments, then maybe he is the guy.”
Shelton’s potential breakthrough comes at a time when American men’s tennis is in need of a star who can challenge for the biggest titles. The last American to win a men’s singles Grand Slam title was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open, and the sport has evolved significantly since then, with power and athleticism becoming essential components of success on the men’s tour. Shelton’s raw power, natural athleticism, and unorthodox left-handed serve make him a formidable opponent and someone who can push top players to their limits. His fearless approach to the game and his comfort on big stages are qualities that McEnroe believes are crucial for making an impact at the highest levels.
Although Shelton has yet to win a major, his recent performances have generated excitement. His best result in a Grand Slam came at the 2023 US Open, where he reached the semifinals before falling to the legendary Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6. While Shelton was ultimately outplayed, he showed resilience by pushing the third set to a tiebreak against a player widely considered one of the greatest in tennis history. That performance served as an indicator of his growth and his potential to one day compete for major titles.
Currently competing in the Swiss Indoors, Shelton has continued to demonstrate his potential by advancing to the semifinals. In a thrilling quarterfinal match, he defeated Russia’s Andrey Rublev in three sets, with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-7, 6-4. The victory over Rublev, a top-10 player known for his powerful game, highlights Shelton’s ability to stand toe-to-toe with elite competition. Shelton’s next challenge in the Swiss Indoors is France’s Arthur Fils, who also had an impressive showing, defeating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, to secure his place in the semifinals.
Shelton’s journey to the top has been relatively swift, and he has quickly earned a reputation for his powerful serve and explosive style. His fearlessness on the court and willingness to go for big shots under pressure have resonated with fans and analysts alike. As McEnroe pointed out, Shelton’s athleticism gives him a unique advantage, allowing him to generate power from all areas of the court and maintain an aggressive playing style that puts pressure on his opponents.
With the 2024 season winding down, Shelton has his sights set on further improvement and, ultimately, challenging for a Grand Slam title. His recent performances indicate that he is willing to put in the work necessary to take his game to the next level. For American tennis fans and former players like Patrick McEnroe, Shelton’s rise is a hopeful sign that the wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion may soon come to an end. While there are still challenges ahead and areas in which Shelton must develop, his combination of physical talent, mental resilience, and hunger for success make him one of the most exciting prospects in American men’s tennis.
In McEnroe’s view, the question is not just if Shelton can rise to the occasion, but whether he can sustain his high level of play over the course of grueling five-set matches in Grand Slams. If Shelton can find that consistency and learn from his experiences on the biggest stages, he may very well be the player who finally brings home a major title for the United States. For now, the future of American men’s tennis looks bright, with Ben Shelton leading the charge and inspiring a new generation of tennis fans along the way.