Ben Shelton
ON THE RECORD · 16 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Problem-solving has been the name of the game here,”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton looked ahead to Sunday's final against Alexander Zverev, whom he has never beaten in five previous matches.
“Obviously we’re not done here. The job is not finished. Super excited to get another opportunity to go out there and show my best on Sunday.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton commented after reaching his first career grand slam final and ahead of Sunday's final against Alexander Zverev.
“I was honestly shocked with how calm I was out there today, especially towards the end of the match,”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton reflected on his composure as the finish line approached in the semi-final against Tiafoe.
“I‘m looking forward to the challenge, being able to problem-solve on Sunday. I know what I’m up against, and I’m also the most confident I’ve ever been in my game.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton expressed confidence ahead of his first grand slam meeting with Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final.
“I feel that I’m a different player. I feel like I have so many more tools. I feel like I know my identity, am comfortable in my own skin, and I know what it takes for me to be playing top-level tennis.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton pointed to his return game, baseline stability, and concentration as evidence of his evolution as a player.
“At the end of the day, I’m here in New York, I’m hanging out with my team, I’m with my homies playing a little bit of tennis and I’ve been able to downplay the moment pretty well.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton explained how he downplayed the moment of reaching his first grand slam final.
“It’s amazing to be in this position,”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton reached his first career grand slam final after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the US Open semi-final.
“Yes, I can think about how cool this moment is and what I’m playing for,”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton discussed keeping the enormity of the occasion at arm's length after becoming the first Black American man to reach the US Open singles final since 1972.
“Calm, confident, focused. I think that that’s what it takes to be in these positions and win at the highest level.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-12
Shelton described his mental state during the match and what it takes to win at the highest level.
“Frances is like a big brother to me, every time that we get to take to this court together and play each other is super special,”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton said it was extra special to face close friend Frances Tiafoe at Flushing Meadows.
“My dad lost his mum earlier this year. She's the reason he was able to play tennis.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton spoke about the weight of history before the US Open final after beating Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
“Without her there's no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton dedicated his semi-final victory to his late grandmother, who inspired his father's tennis career.
“This is both of our favourite tournament, our favourite court in the world and to be able to light it up in front of you guys [the crowd] is the best feeling there is.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton praised the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd after his US Open semi-final win over Frances Tiafoe.
“I'm going to leave it all on the court and I hope you guys come and back me. Let's do this for the USA.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton asked for crowd backing as he bids to become the first American man to win the US Open singles title since 2003.
“I'm going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy,”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton urged the crowd to support him in Sunday's US Open final against Alexander Zverev.
“It's a lot of emotion. My mum and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today.”
Ben Shelton · said 2026-09-11 · reported 2026-09-11
Shelton spoke about the weight of history before the US Open final after beating Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.