The US Open has officially set sail, and just like last year, Ben Shelton was the very first ATP star to kick off his campaign. Only this time, he returned to New York as a top-10 seed. The American came out firing on Day 1, taking on Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse with the crowd buzzing. And Ben is certainly feeling the good vibes!

If his opener was any sign, he’s got big plans. The No. 6 seed blasted through Buse in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, wrapping things up in a tidy two hours and seven minutes. The lefty’s booming serve was untouchable all afternoon, and not a single break was conceded. It was pure statement tennis from start to finish.

Afterward, Ben Shelton lit up the stadium with his trademark energy. “It’s starting to feel like home for me. This is the best court in tennis. It’s my favorite place to play,” he told the fans during his on-court interview. “Favorite court. Favorite tournament. Opening day, first match. There’s always a bit of nerves. But I’m really happy I came out here, and you guys get to see me do my thing. I’m really appreciative of everyone who came out.”  

Fresh off his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto, the 22-year-old looks sharper than ever, and Flushing Meadows could well be the stage for his deepest run yet. Shelton has already shown he thrives on the Grand Slam stage. His resume is quickly stacking up, a semifinal at last year’s US Open, another in Melbourne earlier this year, plus a Wimbledon quarterfinal, proving he belongs at the very top.

Now, with one win down in New York, it’s up to him to show how determined he is to keep pushing! Stay updated with our US Open Live Blog. On the other hand, he’s left quite an impression this year alone, even for former pros to make bold predictions for him for the US Open!

Ben Shelton earns praise from ex-pro ahead of New York

At 22, Shelton is having a breakthrough season. Not just at the Slams, but across surfaces and against tough players, the American is stepping up. With a 35-17 record, a Masters 1000 title in Canada, and a final in Munich, the results speak for themselves. So, what changed?

Ben Shelton points to the offseason work he did on his backhand. “We analyzed the greatest backhands on Tour and what that swing path looked like, how they hit, the speed with which they hit, and how they were able to change line,” he said. And the improvements have been hard to miss.

On July 29, in an episode of Nothing Major Podcast, Sam Querrey raved about Shelton’s quarterfinal at Washington against Frances Tiafoe: “Did you see that return that Shelton hit like 10 feet behind the baseline? That’s the hardest return I’ve ever seen anyone hit, I think maybe in tennis.”

John Isner chimed in: “That return was ridiculous, and that was some of the best tennis I think I’ve ever seen being played. That match against Frances, the way he was hitting his backhand in particular, just so many RPMs on his backhand in that match.” Shelton eventually lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 2-6, 5-7, but the grit was there.

Isner, though, remains convinced. “He’s going to be nasty in Toronto and Cincinnati and especially, the US Open. We know how he does in the Grand Slams…He’s not going to have a day like that on his backhand every single day, but that wing is improving a lot, I think, just by virtue of being on the match court and players trying to pick on that wing. So, it’s just improving a lot. I’m really impressed with Ben,” he said.

Now the US Open sixth seed awaits the winner of Pablo Carreno Busta or Pablo Llamas Ruiz, and the question is simple: Can Ben Shelton ride this wave even higher? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!