Carlos Alcaraz has become the primary obstacle for American hopes at the US Open, potentially bearing the sole responsibility for preventing a homegrown men’s singles champion. With three US players remaining in the draw—all located in the same half of the bracket—the Spanish superstar must navigate a gauntlet of Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Alex Michelsen to lift the trophy.
On Tuesday, the defending champion is set to face eighth seed Ben Shelton in a quarter-final clash that promises to be a blockbuster. Should the seven-time major winner advance, he will likely encounter either Tiafoe or Michelsen in the semi-finals. If Alcaraz continues his run to the Flushing Meadows final, the United States will extend its wait for a men’s singles champion to 23 years, dating back to Andy Roddick’s victory in 2003.
Alcaraz acknowledged the intense atmosphere awaiting him, noting that he expects to contend with 24,000 vocal New Yorkers supporting Shelton. “I think he [will] use the crowd, the people behind him, especially when he’s playing here at home,” the Spanish star said. A victory for 23-year-old Shelton over Alcaraz would guarantee an American presence in the final.
While American players have frequently reached the men’s semi-finals in the 21st century, only Taylor Fritz has made it to the final since Roddick’s run, falling to Jannik Sinner two years ago. Tiafoe, seeded 11th, was knocked out by Fritz in that semi-final and also fell to Alcaraz at the same stage in 2022. Now 28, Tiafoe is seeking a third chance to reach his first Grand Slam final after advancing to the Cincinnati final last month. He described the electric atmosphere at the US Open as an “out-of-body experience” where the energy seems to elevate the level of play.
Conversely, 22-year-old Michelsen has preferred to stay under the radar compared to louder counterparts like Tiafoe, Fritz, and Tommy Paul. However, his undefeated path to the quarter-finals—without dropping a set—has forced him into the spotlight. Admitting to nerves throughout the early rounds, Michelsen expressed confidence in his ability to manage pressure.
The resurgence of American tennis is evident, with six men and women reaching the last eight at Flushing Meadows, the highest count since 2002. While the men’s side faces a significant drought without a local champion, the women’s draw offers more immediate promise. Third seed Jessica Pegula faces compatriot Emma Navarro in a all-American semi-final on Tuesday. Meanwhile, top seed Coco Gauff, looking to defend her 2023 title, awaits a potential matchup against Russian fifth seed Mirra Andreeva.
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