Full Breakdown
Ben Shelton Bounces Back to Advance at the 2026 US Open
9/1/2026, 11:01:07 AM
Core Event: Shelton Overcomes Rough Start to Defeat Griekspoor
On Monday night, August 31, 2026, No. 8 seed Ben Shelton rallied from a 1-6 first set to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 in the first round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 23-year-old was broken three times in the opening set before finding his rhythm in the second set and winning every service game from that point onward.
Background & Context
Shelton entered the tournament as the highest-seeded American man and the nation’s leading contender to end a 23-year Grand Slam drought that began with Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open title. He is a Florida-Gators alum making his sixth US Open appearance and coming off a recent National Bank Open title that lifted him into the top-10 of the ATP rankings. Earlier in the week, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew with a knee injury and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz returned after a four-month wrist-injury hiatus, widening the perceived path for American players.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: 1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2.
- Service games: 13-13 from the second set onward; Shelton held serve in every game after the first set.
- Unforced errors: 14 of Shelton’s 31 total errors occurred in the first set; only two were committed in the second set.
- Griekspoor’s record against ATP Top-10 opponents fell to 0-8 after the loss.
- Shelton’s win marks his fourth consecutive US Open second-round appearance and continues a streak of 22 straight first-round victories by American men at majors, the longest active streak on the men’s tour.
Official Statements & Responses
Shelton described his early nerves and subsequent adjustment in an on-court interview, noting his comfort on the historic venue. Former player and ESPN analyst Patrick McEnroe highlighted Shelton’s momentum, stating he is “picking Big Ben” and sees him as a strong candidate to break the American Grand Slam drought, even while acknowledging that Carlos Alcaraz remains the tournament favorite.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Started off a little bit nervous tonight but found my rhythm at some point in the second set,” — Extended Reactions Ben Shelton, the highest-seeded American man at No
- “I think to kind of discredit the group that is playing high-level tennis right now wouldn't be smart,” — Extended Reactions Ben Shelton, the highest-seeded American man at No
What’s Next
Shelton’s victory sets up a second-round clash with Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on the next day of the tournament. The winner of that match will move deeper into a draw that, due to recent withdrawals and injuries among top European players, offers a clearer route for an American champion.
