At Friday’s US Open media day, American standouts Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe spoke with confidence about their mindsets heading into the season’s final Grand Slam, making it clear they are embracing both the stage and the opportunity.
For Shelton, who arrives in New York at a career-high world No. 6, Flushing Meadows carries special weight.
“This is the biggest tournament of the year for me. This is the one… I feel great. Just excited to get out there, see what happens,” he said.
The 22-year-old southpaw also highlighted the strength of the US contingent, tipping his peers for possible deep runs at the Open.
“I’d love to see it,” Shelton told the media. “I feel like there have been a lot of guys who have been close here. Foe is always on a different level when he plays here. [Taylor] Fritz was in the final [in 2024]. I think Tommy always plays really well here, too.”
Tiafoe was equally enthusiastic about returning to New York for his 11th career US Open appearance.
“Best couple of weeks of our game, for sure, without a question,” the 27-year-old said. “Just really happy to get out here and compete at the highest level and start my quest.”
When Tiafoe was asked what it would take to reach the next level, he stressed the importance of mental toughness.
“Don’t be the reason why you don’t do it, right? Get out of your own way. Don’t be fighting yourself in tough moments. Go be brave, go be courageous. That’s the ultimate thing in a Slam,” he explained. “You have to be brave, you have to back yourself, you have to take it when it’s there, otherwise the window of opportunity is so small as you get deep in the Slams. And you got to want it more than the other guy.”
Two-time US Open semifinalist Tiafoe faces Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round, and could end up facing Novak Djokovic in the round of 16; 2023 semifinalist Shelton faces Peru’s Ignacio Buse in the first round, and could face Casper Ruud in the round of 16.
