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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\u2019s strong form makes him America\u2019s biggest hope of winning a Grand Slam.<\/p>\n
Rennae Stubbs Names Ben Shelton as America\u2019s Best Grand Slam Hope<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt, and I\u2019ve said this, we\u2019ve been waiting for who\u2019s going to be the next American to win a major title,\u201d Stubbs explained<\/a> on the latest episode of \u201cThe Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.\u201d \u201cAnd I do believe that it\u2019s Ben, and the reason I say that is I think he has the best chance of everybody because he has the weapons and he\u2019s dangerous when he\u2019s on.\u201d<\/p>\n However, Stubbs pointed out that physical dominance is only one piece of the puzzle during five-set Grand Slam matches. In her view, Shelton\u2019s true test will be his ability to stay focused under pressure.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s a matter of mentally and emotionally, and not so much physically, because I think he\u2019s physically a specimen,\u201d added the former doubles World No. 1. \u201cI think it\u2019s more along the lines of emotionally and mentally.\u201d<\/p>\n At the Cincinnati Open, however, Shelton lost 6-4, 6-4, to Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, ending the American\u2019s hopes of making another deep Masters 1000 run. Faria also ended Shelton\u2019s six-match winning streak, earning the biggest win of his career over a Top-10 player.<\/p>\n After winning in Montreal, the American admitted he had wanted more of himself at the biggest stages. \u201cIt hasn\u2019t been the best stretch for me at the big tournaments,\u201d reflecting on his first and second round exits at Wimbledon and Roland-Garros.<\/p>\n