Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton is set to play Alexander Zverev in the US Open men’s singles final on Sunday.
- Andy Roddick was the last American man to win the US Open singles championship, lifting the trophy in 2003.
- The United States has gone more than two decades without a homegrown men’s singles champion in New York.
Ben Shelton aims to end decades of waiting for American men
American men’s tennis finds itself on the brink of a major milestone this weekend in New York. Ben Shelton will contest the men’s singles championship match on Sunday, taking on Germany’s Alexander Zverev at the US Open.
Shelton’s final appearance brings renewed focus to the country’s long search for a home champion in the men’s singles discipline. The United States boasts a rich tradition in the tournament, yet the men’s trophy has eluded domestic contenders for over two decades.
The enduring legacy of Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph
The last American man to lift the US Open men’s singles trophy was Andy Roddick. Roddick secured his lone Grand Slam crown in 2003, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Since that 2003 breakthrough, no American man has been able to claim the title in Flushing Meadows. While previous generations produced consistent champions, Roddick remains the final link in that golden chain, leaving Shelton with the opportunity to become the first home winner in 21 years.
American men’s singles champions in the Open Era
The United States dominated the tournament for long stretches after the sport turned professional in 1968, led by icons such as Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Pete Sampras. Below are the American men who have won the US Open singles crown during the Open Era:
| Player | Year |
|---|---|
| Arthur Ashe | 1968 |
| Stan Smith | 1971 |
| Jimmy Connors | 1974 |
| Jimmy Connors | 1976 |
| Jimmy Connors | 1978 |
| John McEnroe | 1979 |
| John McEnroe | 1980 |
| John McEnroe | 1981 |
| Jimmy Connors | 1982 |
| Jimmy Connors | 1983 |
| John McEnroe | 1984 |
| Pete Sampras | 1990 |
| Andre Agassi | 1994 |
| Pete Sampras | 1995 |
| Pete Sampras | 1996 |
| Andre Agassi | 1999 |
| Pete Sampras | 2002 |
| Andy Roddick | 2003 |
ATP U.S. Open - Ben Shelton's projected path
Shelton at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
At the moment ranked no.9, Shelton has managed to achieve a composed 39-13 record in 2026. Ben is now having a run at the U.S. Open where he bested the world no.56 Tallon Griekspoor 1-6 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2, the world no.47 Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 5-7 7-6(3) 7-5, the world no.48 Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4, the world no.53 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 6-3 6-4, the world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 and the world no.12 Frances Tiafoe 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-5.
Ben Shelton will square off with the world no.2 Alexander Zverev in the final. Their record is 5-0 for Zverev.
Shelton has won 4 titles in 2026 in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal.
The American won 7 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
