Ben Shelton, the rising star in American tennis, is set to take on Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of the 2026 U.S. Open. After a shaky start to the tournament, where he dropped the first set against Tallon Griekspoor 1-6, Shelton managed to bounce back, winning the next three sets and securing his place in the second round. This victory is crucial for Shelton as he aims for his first Grand Slam title.
As the top-ranked American male player at the U.S. Open, Shelton has a unique opportunity this year. The absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who withdrew before the tournament began, has opened the field. Additionally, the early exit of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who suffered a surprising five-set loss, has further shifted the landscape of the competition. With reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz returning from a wrist injury, the tournament is wide open, and Shelton is keen to capitalize on this moment.
Today's match against Hurkacz is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, with a projected start time of around 2 p.m. ET. The match will take place at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Shelton will be the second match of the afternoon session, following Jessica Pegula's match against Sofia Kenin.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, with streaming options available through services like Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers, and the ESPN app for those with an unlimited plan. This match is particularly significant for Shelton, as he looks to advance further in the tournament.
Hurkacz, currently ranked No. 47 in the ATP rankings, is a formidable opponent. The Polish player recently claimed victory at a Challenger event in Cancun and has previously reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2021. However, he has struggled at the U.S. Open, having never advanced past the second round in his seven prior appearances. This match marks the first meeting between Shelton and Hurkacz, adding an element of intrigue to the encounter.
If Shelton emerges victorious today, he will face either Denis Shapovalov of Canada or Luca van Assche of France in the third round. The path to the finals is challenging, with potential matchups against higher-seeded players such as Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. The men's final is set for September 13, and Shelton's performance today could set the tone for a deep run in the tournament.
As the U.S. Open progresses, all eyes will be on Shelton, who continues to capture the attention of tennis fans worldwide. His journey through this prestigious tournament is one to watch closely.
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