Shelton Earns US Open Quarterfinal Berth With Win Over Shapovalov
Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Men's Tennis
QUEENS, N.Y. -- Shelton advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open on Friday night after defeating Canadian opponent Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. Shelton is now one of four American men to reach the quarterfinals, all of whom are trying to become the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Entering Friday's match, Shelton was 4-0 against Denis Shapovalov. They last faced each other in Dallas earlier this year where Shelton won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4). Shelton and Shapovalov last faced each other in a Grand Slam in 2024 at Wimbledon in the Round of 32 where Shelton won in a five-set thriller.
On Friday night, Shelton battled through an early tiebreak set, 7-3, before the Canadian answered by claiming the second-set tiebreak, 7-5. Shelton responded by using his quick serve to capitalize on a dip in Shapovalov's play to take the third set. An early break in the fourth set gave the former Gator control to seal the victory at 2:08 a.m. local time.
"That second set was tough," Shelton said following his win. "I was serving for the set twice and ended up losing the set when I felt like I was in control. I really had to reset and refocus. It was important for me to get the next two sets and not be out here in a five-set war. I am happy with the way I recovered."
Before facing Shapovalov, the top American in the field defeated Tallon Griekspoor in the first round and Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.
Shelton and Griekspoor met for the first time under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night, both shaking off first-round jitters. Shelton found himself down early in the first game 0-2, and after just 28 minutes of play, the Dutchman claimed a 6-1 advantage. The former Gator battled back taking a 2-0 lead in the second set and with the encouragement of the crowd, Shelton cruised to a few more wins to seal the match.
On Wednesday, Shelton faced Polish competitor Hubert Hurkacz. Shelton claimed the first set in just 32 minutes, landing 85% of his first serve. On the other side of the net, Hurkacz broke Shelton to win the next set 7-5. The American held a 6-5 lead in the fourth set, and converted his match point to close the match, advancing him to the third round.
Shelton will face former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals on Sunday. It has been three years since the two squared off, with the Greek won a contested two-set match in Cincinnati. At that time, Shelton was ranked No. 41, and Tsitsipas was No. 4, but now the roles are reversed as Shelton is No. 9 and Tsitsipas is outside the top 50.
Sunday's match will mark Shelton's second quarterfinal appearance in a Grand Slam this year after he reached that stage at the Australian Open.
Ben Shelton's US Open Results
|
Round |
W/L |
Opponent |
Match Score |
|
128 |
W |
T. Griekspoor |
1-6, 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 |
|
64 |
W |
H. Hurkacz |
6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 |
|
32 |
W |
D. Shapovalov |
7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 |
|
16 |
|
S. Tsitsipas |
|
