Ben Shelton Wins US Open Opening Round in Straight Sets

Ben Shelton, ranked No. 6 and one of the top American men in tennis, began his 2025 US Open campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory over qualifier Ignacio Buse, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton, who won his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto earlier this month and reached the US Open semifinals in 2023, expressed his comfort and fondness for the tournament and court, calling it his favorite place to play. Throughout the match, Shelton showcased an aggressive style, utilizing his powerful serve and net play, converting multiple break points while denying all five of Buse's break opportunities. This win continues Shelton's strong form this year, including career-best runs in Grand Slams, and his consistent performance against unseeded players in majors. Shelton will next face either Pablo Carreno Busta or Pablo Llamas Ruiz in the second round, with hopes of advancing further and ending the 22-year drought for American men winning a Grand Slam singles title. He emphasized taking the tournament one step at a time, focusing on steady improvement rather than looking too far ahead.