Shelton, Zverev Set for US Open Final as American Eyes Third Non-European Grand Slam Since 2009

New Delhi, September 12: The United States is hoping Ben Shelton can end one of the longest droughts in men’s tennis after reaching the US Open final with a victory over Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal on Friday night.

Andy Roddick remains the last American man to win a Grand Slam title, having defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in the 2003 US Open final at Flushing Meadows. Since then, 90 Grand Slam tournaments have been played without another US male player lifting a major trophy, either at home or abroad.

Shelton now has an opportunity to change that history when he takes on Alexander Zverev in the final. Only two non-European men have won Grand Slam titles since Roddick’s triumph: Argentina’s Gastón Gaudio at the 2004 French Open and Juan Martín del Potro at the 2009 US Open.

Del Potro, who defeated Roger Federer in the 2009 final to prevent the Swiss from claiming a sixth consecutive US Open crown, believes American tennis has the depth to finally break Europe’s dominance.

“You know the history; it was the era of the Big Three (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic) – something unmatched,” Del Potro told the media ahead of the Shelton-Tiafoe semifinal. “But American tennis has the potential to break this pattern. There are so many good players now with the potential to be Grand Slam champions, and I sincerely believe Tiafoe or Shelton can do it.”

US Open: Del Potro Returns To Flushing Meadows In a New Hat

Del Potro has returned to the US Open in a new capacity, working as an analyst for ESPN Latin America. The Argentine said being back at Flushing Meadows, where he secured the biggest title of his career, remains a special experience.

“I’m so happy to be back in this special place,” he said. “It’s always a pleasure to be here. They still treat me like a champion, which feels great.”

His first day as an analyst was particularly demanding, covering two men’s quarterfinals. Shelton’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz ended at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday, setting a record for the latest finish in tournament history.

“I don’t have the experience, and it’s not easy at all, but I’m enjoying it a lot,” Del Potro said. “My first day ended at 4 a.m.”

The 2009 champion’s own career was eventually derailed by a series of injuries. He underwent three surgeries on his right wrist, one on his left wrist, and four on his right knee between 2019 and 2021 before retiring in 2022 at the age of 33.

“I’m moving better now because I’m not doing as much. I’m not playing anymore, and I’m not pushing myself hard in daily life,” Del Potro said.

He also spoke to Alcaraz about his recent wrist injury, advising the Spaniard to continue with conservative treatment.

“I told Carlitos to stay on that conservative path and not mess with his wrist,” Del Potro said. “My mistake was refusing to stop because I was fighting for ranking points in every tournament. Carlitos made the right decision; his wrist responded very well, and he played a great match against Shelton.”