It was the year 2003 when a 21-year-old Andy Roddick stunned Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero 6–3, 7–6, 6–3 in the summit clash of the US Open. At the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, he created history. But guess what? It’s been 22 years since his incredible milestone, and still, no American ATP player has replicated Roddick’s feat. Yes, there was an attempt last year by Taylor Fritz, at the US Open, but Jannik Sinner bested him in the final. So, who will end America’s two-decade drought for a major on the men’s side? Well, former great John McEnroe has instilled his faith in a ‘sophomore‘.
There’s little concern on the women’s side—American stars have brought home plenty of glory. The likes of Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Sofia Kenin, Sloane Stephens, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams have won a combined 24 slam titles since Roddick’s US Open win in September 2003. In short, it’s only the men who have struggled to cross the finish line at the biggest stage in the last two decades.
For legend John McEnroe, it was none other than Ben Shelton. He picked the 22-year-old phenom when asked who could end the Grand Slam drought, on the ATP side, for the US. On his recent sit-down at TNT Tip-Off ahead of the French Open, on May 24, the 7-time slam winner gave a solid reason why he thinks Shelton could be the ‘one’. “I like his story because he played football as a kid. He went to college for a couple of years. He’s a sophomore, so he’s sort of maturing in a nice way, improving.”
Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – August 26, 2024 Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates after winning his first round match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
McEnroe noted that Shelton’s “dad coaches him. Maybe he could bring a part-time coach on, maybe 10 weeks a year. But he would be the best.” Interestingly, he was also pitched Frances Tiafoe’s name alongside Shelton. But guess what? The former American legend believes Tiafoe’s currently lacking the potential to accomplish the slam-level milestone.
“I love Tiafoe. I call Frances, he’s one of a great mate. But I call him the hugger,” But why? Per him, Tiafoe’s “too busy, you know, liking everybody as opposed to getting that killer instinct. I’m hoping that it can be developed.”
Circling back to Shelton, though, he’s not just McEnroe’s first choice to end America’s major drought. In fact, the man who won the US Open in 2003 also thinks the 22-year-old may end up creating history very soon. How early? Maybe at the upcoming French Open!
Andy Roddick backs Ben Shelton to go the distance at the 2025 French Open
Ben Shelton‘s performance at slams has been impressive, considering he’s been a pro for just three years. So far, he’s reached the semis of a major twice. Back in 2023, he entered the SF stage of the US Open before 24-time slam king Novak Djokovic ousted him in straight sets. Earlier this year, the youngster replicated a similar performance at the Australian Open. He made it to the semis in Melbourne before eventual winner and World No.1 Jannik Sinner eliminated him.
In an episode of his Served podcast, few days back, Andy Roddick put a lot of confidence in Shelton’s abilities ahead of the French Open. According to him, the 22-year-old can make a deep run in Paris. Dropping his prediction, he said, “Ben Shelton vs (Lorenzo) Sonego… Sonego has not been playing great, I’m going to go Ben. (Stefanos) Tsitsipas… that Ben-Tsitsipas is really interesting because that’s a bad match up for Stef. I’m going to go Ben to the fourth round.”
Shelton will kickstart his French Open campaign against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego on Sunday. Good news is that the American is leading the H2H tally 2-1 as of now. But his recent form might be a cause of concern. In his last two events on clay (Madrid and Rome), Shelton failed to impress. He crashed out in R32 and R64 respectively. Also, in Paris, his best run includes reaching the third round, last season.
What are your thoughts on Shelton’s prospects at the Roland Garros? Let us know in the comment below.
The post Brutal Blow for Frances Tiafoe as John McEnroe Snubs Him for Rising “Sophomore” Before French Open appeared first on EssentiallySports.