Andy Roddick weighed in on Ben Shelton’s chances at the US Open after the American suffered an early exit in Cincinnati. Roddick also explained what Shelton really needs to improve in order to be considered a Grand Slam contender.
During an episode of his podcast “Served,” Roddick acknowledged Shelton’s four titles across four surfaces but questioned whether he can stay consistent during the first week of a tournament to make an impact.
“The upside is four titles, four different surfaces, and we rightfully… wonder is this someone who can win this grand slam event?”
“Yes. Especially because we don’t know what we’re dealing with with Carlos and Sinner right now. That’s the caveat to the entire conversation.”
Roddick continued:
“You know, if sinner played a bunch of matches and was running through people for 3 weeks going in, it’s a much different conversation.
“But with question marks around those two, yes, Ben absolutely is a contender at the US Open in my opinion.”
Neither Jannik Sinner nor Carlos Alcaraz has played a match during the North American hardcourt swing. Alcaraz hasn’t competed since the Barcelona Open in April, while Sinner’s last tournament was Wimbledon last month. Both have question marks heading into the US Open.
Roddick believes that if Shelton can avoid an early upset, he has a good chance of making an impact.
“One thing to watch for is like he has to take care of his business in the first week in order to be a contender in the second week.”
Shelton has struggled at Grand Slams this year. He lost in the second round of Roland Garros and the first round of Wimbledon.
He looked to have returned to form by defending his Canadian Open title at Montreal without dropping a set, but he followed it up by losing his opening match in Cincinnati.
Ben Shelton’s 2025 US Open Setback
Last year at Flushing Meadows, Ben Shelton’s singles campaign ended with a third-round loss to Adrian Mannarino. He also lost in the mixed doubles quarterfinals to Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison.
Shelton’s American hard court swing got off to a great start last year as he triumphed in Toronto, reached the semifinal in Washington, and made it to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open.
However, he could not carry that momentum into the US Open, where he was forced to retire from his match against Mannarino after suffering a shoulder injury.
This time, Shelton has made it clear that he will do whatever it takes to get his body in shape and has vowed to play as many matches as possible until the US Open.
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Esta notícia foi originalmente publicada em: Fonte original