Ben Shelton, the rising star of American tennis, is gearing up for an important third-round match at the 2026 U.S. Open, where he will face off against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. The match is scheduled for Friday, September 4, and is part of a tournament that has already seen some surprising developments, including the early exits of top players.
Having progressed through the tournament with determination, Shelton is eager to secure his first significant victory on the professional circuit. The 23-year-old, who previously showcased his talent as a collegiate national champion with the Florida Gators, has come close to major success in the past. He reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open in 2023 and again made it to the semifinals at the 2025 Australian Open, but was halted both times by formidable opponents: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. With both of these players now out of the tournament, the path appears clearer for Shelton to potentially become the first American male champion since Andy Roddick's triumph over two decades ago.
In his previous match against Hubert Hurkacz, Shelton displayed a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, hitting over 30 unforced errors but ultimately managing to secure a victory after four sets. He dropped the second set and needed a tiebreak to clinch the third, but rallied effectively in the fourth set, demonstrating his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. His girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, was present to support him, adding to the emotional stakes of the match.
As Shelton prepares for his encounter with Shapovalov, he will be looking to improve his performance. The match is slated to start around 9 p.m. ET, following a doubles match featuring tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2 or through streaming services like Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Shapovalov, currently ranked No. 48 in the ATP standings, has had a solid tournament so far, defeating Miomir Kecmanovic in four sets and sweeping Luca van Assche in the second round. The Canadian has previously reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon, showcasing his capability to challenge top-tier players. Shelton has a favorable history against Shapovalov, having won all four of their previous encounters, including a five-set thriller at Wimbledon in 2024.
If Shelton emerges victorious in this match, he will advance to face either Jiri Lehecka or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round. The potential matchups ahead include high-seeded players, with the possibility of meeting Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals and Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. As the tournament progresses, the stakes become higher, and Shelton's journey through the U.S. Open could mark a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
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