Former Serena Williams coach Rick Macci has revealed where Ben Shelton can improve after US Open final loss. Shelton was in red-hot form throughout the New York Major and played a thrilling match against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal clash, to come good in five sets.

However, the American could not bring his A-game to the Arthur Ashe Stadium, in the summit clash against Alexander Zverev and thus suffered a four-set loss.

Macci revealed how Shelton can generate pace by using his body while playing slower balls on the court.

Macci posted on X in his unique voice: “Shelton can go another level but the X factor is the backhand. He will always have closer matches because of this wing and what it brings on return of serve and during combat. It is better than when he first came on tour and had a bubble loop.

“Now the prep is better but there is not proper linkage from the ground up (muscle memory baked in now as a junior) to have the body act as the car and the racquet as the passenger. This is why when Big Ben has to generate his own pace off slower balls most of the time, it is too much arms and hands instead of proper trunk rotation for easy power and pinpoint location.”

Meanwhile, after the US Open final loss, Shelton also suffered a loss against Czech ace Jiri Lehecka in the Davis Cup. USA were eventually knocked out of the tournament with a 3-2 loss against Czechia.

Lehecka wrote on Instagram after the win: “Something not to forget. This jersey means everything. Heart, sacrifice, emotions and fight until the last ball. Yesterday, we demonstrated together what it means to represent our country.

“Every change, every ball, every voice from the stands. We made it together. Huge win, huge emotions and pride that cannot be described in words. This is representation. This is Czechia. Thank you.”