Ben Shelton, the rising star from the University of Florida, has advanced to the third round of the 2026 U.S. Open, showcasing his potential on the professional circuit. After a challenging second-round match against Hubert Hurkacz, where he struggled with unforced errors, Shelton is now focused on his upcoming challenge against Canadian player Denis Shapovalov.
During his second-round encounter, Shelton displayed a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, ultimately winning the match after dropping the second set and needing a tiebreak to secure the third. He finished strong in the fourth set, demonstrating his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. With the support of his girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, in the stands, Shelton aims to build on this momentum as he seeks his first significant win in a Grand Slam tournament.
Ben Shelton's journey in the U.S. Open has been notable, especially considering he is vying to become the first American male champion since Andy Roddick's victory over two decades ago. The absence of top players like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, who have previously defeated Shelton in major tournaments, has opened up the competition, providing a unique opportunity for him to make a deep run.
Scheduled for Friday, September 4, Shelton's match against Shapovalov is expected to begin no earlier than 9 p.m. ET, following a doubles match featuring tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. This match will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament's premier venue, known for its electric atmosphere and passionate fans.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2, with streaming options available through platforms like Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. The match is significant not only for Shelton but also for Shapovalov, who is looking to regain form after a series of ups and downs in his career.
Shapovalov, currently ranked No. 48 in the ATP rankings, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, including a quarterfinal appearance at the U.S. Open in 2020 and a semifinal run at Wimbledon in 2021. His path to the third round included victories over Miomir Kecmanovic and Luca van Assche, indicating that he is a formidable opponent for Shelton.
Historically, Shelton has had the upper hand in their previous encounters, winning all four matches, including a thrilling five-set victory at Wimbledon in 2024. If Shelton can continue his winning streak against Shapovalov, he will advance to face either Jiri Lehecka or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round. The stakes are high as Shelton aims to make a significant mark in this year's U.S. Open, with potential matchups against top-seeded players looming ahead.
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