Ben Shelton has rapidly moved on from the US Open final in New York, where he was beaten by Alexander Zverev.
Shelton drew criticism for his display against Zverev, who won their US Open final 6-3, 7-6(7-2), 5-7, 6-2 after three hours and 33 minutes. It ensured the American’s search for a maiden Grand Slam title continues, while the German now has two to his name.
Both players have since turned their focus to the Davis Cup, but only Zverev was successful in his opener. He beat Croatia’s Matej Dodig, while Shelton lost his first match since the US Open final against Czech ace Jiri Lehecka.
The American’s game has now been analyzed in detail by Rick Macci, who used to coach WTA legend Serena Williams. He believes there is work to be done for Shelton, who has risen five spots to ATP number four since his lengthy stay in New York.
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Macci posted on X in his unique voice: “Shelton can go another level but the X factor is the backhand. He will always have closer matches because of this wing and what it brings on return of serve and during combat. It is better than when he first came on tour and had a bubble loop.
“Now the prep is better but there is not proper linkage from the ground up (muscle memory baked in now as a junior) to have the body act as the car and the racquet as the passenger. This is why when Big Ben has to generate his own pace off slower balls most of the time, it is too much arms and hands instead of proper trunk rotation for easy power and pinpoint location.”
It’s an intriguing analysis of Shelton, who first and foremost deserves great credit for going so far at the US Open. He was under immense pressure as the home favorite, with such pressure perhaps holding him back somewhat against Zverev. But he will undoubtedly be eager to improve and do what it takes to finally taste Grand Slam glory.
Ben Shelton and USA suffer dramatic Davis Cup defeat
At the age of 23, Shelton can certainly be proud of his career achievements so far, which now include a Grand Slam final. The American also boasts seven ATP titles, four of which have arrived this season alone.
But he has been brought crashing back down to earth at the Davis Cup qualifiers, where the USA were beaten 3-2 by Czechia. Learner Tien gave the visitors the lead in Prague by beating Jakub Mensik, but Lehecka then stunned Shelton 6-4, 6-4.
The USA bounced back with a doubles victory courtesy of Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek against Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl, but Mensik beat Shelton and Lehecka defeated Tien to secure a famous win.
Lehecka has since shared his joy at the success, writing on Instagram: “Something not to forget. This jersey means everything. Heart, sacrifice, emotions and fight until the last ball. Yesterday, we demonstrated together what it means to represent our country.
“Every change, every ball, every voice from the stands. We made it together. Huge win, huge emotions and pride that cannot be described in words. This is representation. This is Czechia. Thank you.”
Korea, Austria and Canada have also secured their place in the Davis Cup Final 8, but there will be no place for record 32-time champions USA.
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