Patrick Mouratoglou, the celebrity coach who was at the helm of Serena Williams’ coaching staff for a decade, has weighed in with his prediction for the men’s title at the US Open 2025.
The Frenchman predictably pinpointed Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the heavy favourites heading into the major. However, he has also named an American who could cause some major damage in the final Grand Slam of the year.
Patrick Mouratoglou Names Ben Shelton Top Dark Horse at US Open
Mouratoglou has named his pick to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner in New York.
“First one (after Alcaraz and Sinner) I think of is Ben Shelton who just won his first Masters 1000,” said the French coach.
Shelton, 22, won his first Masters 1000 title at the recently held Canadian Open, overcoming Russian tennis star Karen Khachanov in a highly competitive final. Immediately after the momentous win, he flew to Cincinnati, where he also performed impressively, reaching the quarterfinal.
“(Shelton) who is American, who will be in the US, who will fear nobody,” Mouratoglou continued, “he for me is the number one dark horse.”
Notably, the fast-serving American has performed impressively at all three Grand Slams of the year, losing to either Alcaraz or Sinner each time. He reached the Australian Open semifinal (lost to Sinner), the French Open Round of 16 (lost to Alcaraz), and the Wimbledon quarterfinal (lost to Sinner).
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The left-hander is set to face little-known Peruvian Ignacio Buse in his first round match.
Mouratoglou Names Sinner and Alcaraz as Top US Open Favorites
Mouratoglou predictably identified Sinner and Alcaraz as the leading favorites heading into the US Open, citing their recent performances and consistency at the highest level.
“At the moment, there are two favourites for every Grand Slam: Alcaraz and Sinner,” Mouratoglou said.
He emphasized the significance of Sinner’s recent victory at Wimbledon, noting that before the win, Alcaraz had defeated Sinner five times consecutively.
He continued, “Now, it is completely different. (Sinner) has the taste of beating (Alcaraz) in a Grand Slam final. So this will give an edge to Sinner.”
Mouratoglou acknowledged the contrasting styles of the two young stars, but asserted that they would continue to dominate as long as they were able to maintain their high levels.
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He said, “They are so close in terms of level with completely different games, completely different ways to handle situations. If they keep that level, they will always be the two huge favorites.”
While Sinner and Alcaraz are seen as the clear frontrunners, Mouratoglou also noted that other players could potentially make an impact. “There are some guys who can maybe do something,” he said.
Mouratoglou also named Novak Djokovic, who has been seeking a 25th Grand Slam this year, as another contender who could disrupt the Sinner-Alcaraz hegemony in Grand Slams.
