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Can Tsitsipas save the one-handed backhand at US Open?
7 Sep
Summary
- Ben Shelton faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in a Round of 16 US Open match.
- Tsitsipas is the last player with a one-handed backhand in the tournament.
- Shelton is favored to win, with home crowd support in his favor.
The 2026 US Open Round of 16 features a compelling matchup between American eighth seed Ben Shelton and unseeded Stefanos Tsitsipas. This encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium highlights a contrast in playing styles, with Shelton's powerful game against Tsitsipas's elegant, yet vulnerable, one-handed backhand.
Tsitsipas is the last player remaining in the draw employing the traditional one-handed backhand, fighting to maintain a 150-year streak of the shot reaching a major semi-final. He has reached this stage through a strong resurgence, including a comeback win against Jiří Lehečka.
Shelton, the hometown favorite, has endured demanding four-set matches to reach this round. He enters in strong form, with a 9-1 record in his last ten matches and a top-10 ranking. Tsitsipas has also shown recent improvement, winning seven of his last ten matches.
Tennis pundits heavily favor Ben Shelton to win in four sets. They highlight Shelton's potent left-handed serve as a key tactical advantage against Tsitsipas's backhand. Shelton's current form, hard-court consistency, and significant home crowd support are seen as decisive factors.
