Why Ben Shelton will be the first American man to win Grand Slams since Andy Roddick

No American ATP player has won a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick's triumph at the 2003 US Open, but Ben Shelton will be the man who breaks that drought.

Before Taylor Fritz's loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open men's singles final, no American man had reached a Major final since Roddick's heartbreaking five-set defeat against Roger Federer in their 2009 Wimbledon final.

Despite Fritz coming closer than anyone in the past 15 years, Shelton is more likely than his compatriot or any other American male to be the next Grand Slam champion. This piece articulates why.

Several players have complained in the last few years about the balls used. Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and others believe that, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they have become heavier much more quickly in matches.

Zverev also thinks that courts are being made slower to suit Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Although there is some variation in court speeds, a significant change in their pace or the use of radically different balls in the next few years seems unlikely.

Contrary to what some may think, heavier balls actually make Shelton's serve more rather than less important. Only Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard possesses a more devastating serve than the 23-year-old American.

Shelton's consistent ability to win free points is critical not just in individual matches. It will allow him to avoid his body breaking down over the season or over several years due to the intense, congested schedule.

Calls for a reformed schedule have become louder from players like Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Jack Draper, Fritz, and others. However, ATPs has already signed long-term contracts and announced a future Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia, which means changes seem unlikely.

If true, players who consistently rely on lengthy rallies to win matches will find it more challenging to challenge for Grand Slams. Shelton's outstanding serve, already the most critical element of his game, will help him stay the course better than others.

Some players and fans find Shelton irritating or arrogant. Examples of him winding opponents up included Novak Djokovic mocking his celebration at the 2023 US Open and him ridiculing a doubles opponent as "so soft" after receiving complaints about hitting him in the chest.

Many others love Shelton's personality and consider the two-time Grand Slam semifinalist to be great for tennis. No one can deny that he consistently draws large crowds who enjoy watching his electrifying, unique game.

Although Shelton does not hide that he believes in himself, which contrasts sharply with the prevailing paradigm of being modest and not wanting to draw attention, that outward confidence might assist him in getting over the line on the biggest stages.

Fritz has consistently been the American No. 1 for a few years and deserves huge credit for his achievements, but he generally falls into the more modest category. It does not feel like the world No. 6's belief is naturally as high as Shelton's.

The same can be said of other Americans, such as Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda. Frances Tiafoe's personality is more aligned with Shelton's, but he has struggled with form, and his best level is also not as high as Shelton's.

In the current era of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner playing at such a high level, only players who stay confident through setbacks are likely to win Grand Slams. Shelton is the most likely American to achieve that.

It is undoubtedly true that Shelton needs to make technical improvements in the coming years. Despite possessing an excellent serve, his current game makes it difficult to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner.

Shelton's backhand, movement, and defensive skills are the most notable areas that require improvement. If he does that, his serve, volleying, and aggressive hitting will become even more potent weapons.

At 23, the 2025 Canadian Open men's singles champion can work persistently at those weaknesses for several years. He does not need to unduly worry if improvements do not occur quickly, even with much training.

However, Shelton's swift rise in the past four seasons offers hope that he can make swift improvements to his game. He was ranked outside the Top 500 at the end of 2021, but moved into the Top 100 12 months later.

Shelton was at No. 5 in November before slipping four spots to No. 9 after an underwhelming 2025 ATP Finals campaign. Still, finishing in the Top 10 is evidence of his enhanced level, and he will be determined to get even better in 2026.