Ben Shelton is enjoying the best season of his career so far in 2026, recently defending his Canadian Open title for his fourth title of the year. He defeated fellow American Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 7-6 in the final, adding the Canadian Open to his earlier titles in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart. With the US Open approaching, former pro-turned-coach Rennae Stubbs believes Shelton’s strong form makes him America’s biggest hope of winning a Grand Slam.
Rennae Stubbs Names Ben Shelton as America’s Best Grand Slam Hope
American fans have been waiting a long time for a male player to win a major tournament, as the country has not celebrated a men’s singles champion at a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick won the US Open back in 2003. While several players are currently competing at the top of the sport, Stubbs says Shelton stands out for his explosive game.
“There’s no doubt, and I’ve said this, we’ve been waiting for who’s going to be the next American to win a major title,” Stubbs explained on the latest episode of “The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.” “And I do believe that it’s Ben, and the reason I say that is I think he has the best chance of everybody because he has the weapons and he’s dangerous when he’s on.”
However, Stubbs pointed out that physical dominance is only one piece of the puzzle during five-set Grand Slam matches. In her view, Shelton’s true test will be his ability to stay focused under pressure.
“But it’s a matter of mentally and emotionally, and not so much physically, because I think he’s physically a specimen,” added the former doubles World No. 1. “I think it’s more along the lines of emotionally and mentally.”
At the Cincinnati Open, however, Shelton lost 6-4, 6-4, to Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, ending the American’s hopes of making another deep Masters 1000 run. Faria also ended Shelton’s six-match winning streak, earning the biggest win of his career over a Top-10 player.
After winning in Montreal, the American admitted he had wanted more of himself at the biggest stages. “It hasn’t been the best stretch for me at the big tournaments,” reflecting on his first and second round exits at Wimbledon and Roland-Garros.
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However, he also believes that “one match can kind of change everything.”
Now, the World No. 6 will be shifting his focus to Flushing Meadows for the final Grand Slam of the year. The US Open will begin its main draw on August 30.
