Roddick tips Zverev-Shelton US Open final for big-stage drama

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick expects the men’s singles final between Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton to deliver a lively finish to the season’s last major. The two will meet in their sixth tour-level showdown, with Zverev carrying the stronger head-to-head record into the title match.

The German reached the final after a straight-sets win over Karen Khachanov, while Shelton advanced by defeating Frances Tiafoe in a four-set battle that Roddick described as especially compelling. Zverev has won five of the pair’s previous five meetings, taking 10 of the 11 sets they have played.

For Zverev, the final offers a chance to add a second Grand Slam title of the season. Shelton, meanwhile, is preparing for his first appearance in a Grand Slam final. The eighth seed is also chasing a landmark for American men’s tennis, as he aims to become the first American man to capture a singles Grand Slam title since Roddick at the 2003 US Open.

Roddick praised Shelton’s mindset after the American’s semifinal victory and highlighted the difference in his recent approach. “Ben’s focus the last two matches has been different,” said Roddick during an episode of his Served with Andy Roddick podcast.

“It has been head down, he has been a little mean looking, not as jokey, not as much of a laugh. He has been a full adult in the last two matches.

“It’s smouldering intensity. I love it. He had his head down against Alcaraz. He had his head down against Foe.”

Roddick also said the atmosphere around Shelton’s run has been unusual, and he expects Sunday to feel different. He added that Zverev should be able to handle the crowd, noting, “I don’t think Sascha is going to care much about the crowd,” and pointing to the German’s recent major success.

Shelton has already made history by becoming the first Black American male to reach the final in New York since Arthur Ashe in 1972. Roddick believes the stage suits both players and summed up the matchup as one built on power, pressure, and a strong crowd response.