Such matches are novelties, just as easily won as lost. By contrast, Shelton regards his US Open clash with compatriot Frances Tiafoe as a more nuanced, “educational” experience. Back in 2023, Shelton was pure fire, and he logged a fairly straightforward four-set win over Tiafoe in the quarterfinals of their home major. But in a heavily hyped, third-round rematch this year, Tiafoe found his A-game and avenged the loss. It was a riveting, high-quality battle and a high point in the USTA’s very public drive to create a more diverse, popular game.
That match underscored the truism that, to become an elite player, you need to know how to win even when you’re not at your best—or when the other guy is. Shelton knew that, of course, but knowing it and doing it are two different things. Afterward, Shelton realized that, as in other “learning experience” matches, he didn’t adjust well to Tiafoe’s best asset on the day—his lights-out return game. Instead of maneuvering around his rival, Shelton just tried to bring the heat and blast through him.
“A lot of the guys on tour are pretty superhuman,” Shelton said. “I hit it 148 miles an hour—but I miss my spot and they hit it back. They hit it with a lot of quality, and it’s at my feet. So a lot of times, (serve) speed isn’t the answer.”
