Ben Shelton has begun his US Open bid with a straight sets win over former champion Dominic Thiem who will be retiring later this year.
Shelton, who reached the semi-finals in New York 12 months ago, eased his way to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, win over his Austrian opponent. It is the second year in a row he has beaten Thiem at the US Open with his 2023 victory being via retirement. He now has a winning 7-2 record when it comes to first round matches at Grand Slam tournaments.
Aiming to become the first American man to reach back-to-back US Open semi-finals since Andre Agassi, Shelton fired 34 winners and eight aces in his latest match. Earning him his 31st Tour-level win this year.
“I want to say congrats to him (Thiem) and his team on an outstanding Grand Slam career that they’ve had,” Shelton said in a tribute.
“A (Grand Slam) title is something that only kids can dream about, you know, sitting at the couch at home, which was me not too long ago.
“I always love seeing Domi’s face. Moritz (Thiem’s brother) is always smiling as well.
“I’m sorry that this was the way it ended, but congrats on everything. You have so much to be proud of.”
The victory marks the end of an era for Thiem who has played his final Grand Slam singles match at the age of 30. Just four years ago he appeared to be on course to the very top of tennis after fighting back from two sets down to beat Alexander Zverev and win the US Open. However, the following season a troublesome wrist injury sidelined him for months and he has never been the same player since returning. Prompting his decision to step away from the sport at the end of this year.
“Thank you so much for all your support over all these years,” Thiem said afterwards.
“It’s been ten years since I’ve played here (at the US Open) for the first time. It’s a really important moment for me because I’ve had my greatest success of my career here on this court (Arthur Ashe).
“I’m super happy that I got the chance to play my last US Open, my last match here on this court and I can spend now some time with you guys (the crowd) just to say thank you to all of you.
“I’m very grateful for everybody who came and everybody who got me the chance to play here for one last time.”
Shelton is seeded 13th in the draw and could potentially take on 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic in the fourth round. This time last year he was ranked outside the world’s top 40 and is now 13th. A rise he believes wouldn’t be possible without his team.
“We’re always focused on pushing forward, not really looking behind us and just trying to become a more complete player.” He said.
“I’m glad with how I played out here today and I’m just excited for another chance to play here at the US Open because it’s my favorite tournament of the year.”
Shelton will play Roberto Bautista Agut next.
