Ben Shelton, the No. 8 seed from Atlanta, is aiming to serve a 150 mph ball at the 2026 U.S. Open, a milestone he hasn’t yet reached in this tournament. After his convincing 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, where he served 12 aces and faced no break points, Shelton expressed optimism about hitting the 150 mph mark soon, possibly in his upcoming quarterfinal match against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Shelton's powerful serve has impressed both fans and former pros, and he hopes it will be a key weapon to upset the Spanish star.

Carlos Alcaraz, who is coming off a 4 1/2 month hiatus due to a right wrist injury, demonstrated remarkable form by winning 18 consecutive major matches and defeating American Tommy Paul in straight sets just before facing Shelton. Alcaraz holds a 3-0 record against Shelton and remains undefeated against Americans in majors at 13-0. Shelton acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating that beating Alcaraz will require “special tennis,” given the Spaniard’s high level of play and ability to light up the stadium.

Shelton’s fast serves have already hit impressive speeds outside the U.S. Open, including a 151 mph serve at the Mubadala DC Open in July, as well as multiple 150 mph serves at Indian Wells. Andy Roddick, the last American male to win a major at the U.S. Open in 2003, noted that Shelton’s serve is a critical factor that could disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm. Shelton understands the need to mix up his game but admits it's tempting to rely on sheer speed, hinting that a 150 mph serve might be unleashed in the upcoming high-stakes match.

Besides Shelton, two other American men—No. 11 Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelson—have reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals, with the winner of their match assuring an American presence in the semifinals. Additionally, No. 14 learner Tien is set to play his fourth-round match on Monday. The tournament is shaping up to be exciting for the American men’s contingent, with Shelton positioned as a dangerous contender thanks to his booming serve and competitive spirit against top rivals like Alcaraz.