Ben Shelton advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open on Sunday night after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas with a score of 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton's performance was noted as complete, marking a significant improvement in his play during the tournament.
Shelton commented on his focus during the match, stating, "My team told me that if I didn’t show fully focused [Sunday], they were going to leave. It was all in my head, to be honest. I was focused, played a complete match from start to finish. Yeah, really happy with this performance. It’s my first straightforward match so far this year. I’m happy with the way I played."
He emphasized his emotional stability and ability to concentrate, which contributed to his performance. Shelton did not face any break points during the match and lost only 14 points on his serve.
This victory marks the third time since 2005 that three American men have reached the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open. Shelton's win comes 23 years after an American man last won a major title, with Andy Roddick being the last to do so.
Looking ahead, Shelton will face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. He has a 0-3 record against Alcaraz but expressed confidence in his ability to compete. "Special tennis. The level [Alcaraz] has been playing at is really, really impressive to be not playing for five months. To come out and do what he’s done so far this tournament has been superhuman," Shelton said. "It’s going to be fireworks on Tuesday. I hope you guys come back, because I’m ready to go."
In other matches, Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen will compete against each other in an All-American quarterfinal, while Learner Tien is set to face Karen Khachanov in the round of 16 on Monday.