Shelton, Fritz excited for US Open: “Biggest week for U.S players”

The US Open is always a special event, with unrivalled crowds and home to the biggest purpose-built tennis stadium in the world. Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, the two highest ranked American male singles players, opened up about what the last major of the event represents to them.

Fritz hopes to find hard court form

World No 12 Taylor Fritz made his first ever quarter-final at the US Open in 2023, however, since winning Delray in Feburary, the highest ranked American male singles player has failed to make a quarter-final at any hard court event. Last week, in Cincinnati, Fritz lost (4-6 6-4 6-7) his opening match to fellow American Brandon Nakashima and – just four days prior – lost in round three at the Montreal Masters to Sebastian Korda (4-6 6-7). All together, the next fortnight could provide a much needed confidence booster for the 12th seed.

Speaking to media on Friday, Fritz elaborated on what the US Open represents to the American players and his feelings in practice:

“I mean, obviously really excited to be here. It’s, like, the biggest week for the U.S., the U.S. players. Always extra, not only is it a slam, always extra important just for the Americans. Practicing well, feeling good, hoping to have a big week.”

the biggest week for the U.S. players

Fritz on the US Open

The American also reflected on last year’s run to the last eight, and how his form situation may differ from 12 months ago:

“Yeah, it was my first slam, I guess, quarterfinal here. I mean, it’s just a good feeling. I think last year I was coming in here, just felt like I just needed a result at a slam, because the slam results were just really poor last year. So I felt like I needed a good result. This year, the slam results have been pretty solid. I feel like I’ve been performing well at the slams, playing three-out-of-five sets. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling, I guess, pretty confident about just, I guess, I don’t know, playing in the big tournaments right now.”

Shelton looks forward to blockbuster Thiem match

World No 13 Ben Shelton set American tennis alight when he roared to the semi-finals at last year’s edition of the US Open, bowing out via a straight sets defeat (3-6 2-6 6-7) vs the eventual champion Novak Djokovic – a match filled with controversy. Last week, he was in similarly electric form, making the last eight in Cincinnati and falling in a very tight three-set battle with Alexander Zverev ( 6-3 6-7 5-7).

Shelton, speaking to journalists on Friday’s media day, opened up about his form over the last 12 months:

“I think I’ve made a lot of progress, especially in my movement. I think I’m a much better mover than 52 weeks ago. I think I’m a better and more consistent, well-rounded baseline player and volleyer as well. I think I’ve improved in almost every aspect. One of the other things I have improved on is my professionalism. I think I do a better job day in, day out, doing the right things. You don’t always see the results right away from those efforts, but they’re definitely there.”

I think I’ve improved in almost every aspect

Shelton on his form in the last 52 weeks

The confident Shelton faces a blockbuster opening match at the New York major, and will face 2020 US Open champion and former world No 3 Dominic Thiem on Monday – first on Arthur Ashe stadium. The two played last year in round two, with the American winning the first set 7-6, before Thiem retired at 0-1 in the second set due to illness.

The left-handed American was asked about his feelings ahead of the showdown, with it being the Austrian’s last ever major appearance as Thiem has decided to retire in Vienna in October:

“I love playing in those big type-of-moment matches. I hate to see it’s Domi’s last Grand Slam, because when I was starting to get into tennis, that was one of the guys who was killing it on TV every single week. But yeah, I think any time you play a former champion at a tournament, especially a Grand Slam, it’s a special experience and a tough challenge. He held the trophy here at the end of the two weeks, which, you know, not many people in the world can say that they have done. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and yeah, just excited to kick it off. I think the fans will love this type of matchup, and yeah, I’m just going to soak it all in.”

it’s a special experience and a tough challenge

Shelton on facing former US Open champion Thiem

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