Tennis News: Ben Shelton, Aryna Sabalenka and Martina Navratilova

The last American man to win the US Open happened 21 years ago. That was Andy Roddick who has long since retired and now hosts a fantastic podcast. Andre Agassi gave it a go in 2005 and made the final but lost to Roger Federer.

Ben Shelton has the game to win the Grand Slam, though. His serve is bombastic enough for even players such as Novak Djokovic to have issues trying to return. Shelton's forehand is overpowering but simply needs to be more consistent. If he gets on a roll, he might pull off a shock finish in New York.

That likely would be the argument of Shelton's first-round opponent, Dominic Thiem, who the American steamrolled in the first round 6-4 6-2 6-2. Thiem has not been playing great tennis recently and he is set to retire after 2024, but he has been among the best in the world at times during his career. One would not know it versus Shelton, however.

Ben Shelton sharp to start the US Open and Martina Navratilova names Aryna Sabalenka's advantage

Next for Shelton in the second round is Roberto Bautista Agut. As long as the American does not struggle with his serve, which would be unusual, Shelton should hit the Spaniard off the court. That could set up a must-watch match in the third round against Frances Tiafoe.

Another player who might not have too many issues is Aryna Sabalenka. She has not yet won the US Open, but she was the runner-up last year and could be considered the favorite this year. Her game is perfectly suited to hard-court success.

According to all-time great Martina Navratilova, Sabalenka can hit top seed Iga Swiatek off the court in New York. Swiatek has won the tournament before (2022), but Sabalenka should have the advantage on a fast court. If the Belarusian is playing well, she has the serve and pace from both wings to dominate any other player.

Navratilova told the WTA website in a preview of the US Open, "(T)he only person who can really hit (Swiatek) off the court is Sabalenka...Last year’s final might have been the worst match Sabalenka’s played in any big match, and she will have learned her lesson -- and will be extremely motivated."

Shelton is not yet the favorite at the US Open but is certainly dangerous. Sabalenka might not lose a set in New York. Both might be holding trophies when the tournament is done.

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