Shelton, Fritz on US Open Hopes

Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, the two highest-seeded American players in the 2026 US Open men's singles draw, spoke about the state of American tennis. They appeared on 'Served with Andy Roddick' ahead of the tournament, which begins next week.

Both players believe the depth of American talent creates a healthy competitive environment. Shelton pointed to recent matches against other Americans as evidence of this push.

American Players Pushing Each Other

Ben Shelton described the current group as "amazing" and highlighted its versatility. "I'm playing in the semi-finals and finals of Montreal against Learner Tien and Brandon Nakashima." Shelton said. He argued this competition drives everyone to improve.

"We have such a good group, and we're pushing each other," Shelton stated. "I know that if I have a good week, one of them is going to have a good week the next, and vice versa." He noted that while Italians have figured this out, Americans are "close behind."

Taylor Fritz offered a similar view. "I think it's more so just all of us competing with each other; it pushed all of us, and I think it's been like that for a long time," Fritz said. He believes this dynamic is why the current generation of American men is strong and deep.

"Whenever someone has been able to do something, I think the rest of us look at that and think if he can do that, I can do it too, and it keeps bouncing off each other like that," Fritz explained. The current standings reflect this crowded field of contenders.

Shelton's Confidence and Recovery

Ben Shelton claims he is playing the best tennis of his career heading into the US Open. This comes a year after an injury derailed his 2025 campaign. "Obviously, last year, I was full-steam ahead; I was playing the best tennis of my life, I was feeling invincible out there on the tennis court, and then I fell on my shoulder," Shelton recalled.

He said replicating his 2025 Canadian results in "even better fashion" this year has boosted his confidence. "I thought that I played even better tennis than I did last year, and come back to New York, feeling confident in a similar light, I couldn't be more excited," Shelton said. He called the US Open "the best tournament on the planet." Shelton, a former semi-finalist, will begin his 2026 campaign against Tallon Griekspoor. His form is a key part of the American stats this season.

Fritz's Formula for Success

Taylor Fritz, a finalist in New York two years ago, outlined what he must do to win. "I think for my game, obvious non-negotiables are like my serve. If I serve bad, I'm probably not going to win matches," Fritz stated. He feels he has that shot under control consistently.

He identified his forehand as another critical weapon. "I need to hit my forehand well." Fritz said. Beyond specific shots, he emphasized the need to stay healthy for a long tournament run.

"I think the rest of my game is pretty consistent, and then be healthy." Fritz concluded. He will open his tournament against Darwin Blanch.