Can Dominic Thiem Turn Back Time Against Ben Shelton at the US Open?
As the 2024 US Open kicks off, one of the most intriguing matches of the first day features Dominic Thiem facing off against Ben Shelton. It's a rematch that carries a lot of weight, especially for Thiem, whose career has seen a dramatic downturn since his triumphant 2020 US Open victory. For many tennis fans, the question isn't just whether Thiem can win this match but whether he can summon the level of play that once made him a Grand Slam champion.
Last year’s encounter between these two at the US Open was anything but memorable for Thiem. Struggling with health issues and clearly out of sorts, the Austrian retired after losing the first set in a tiebreaker. It was a painful reminder of the physical and mental challenges that have plagued him since his peak. Unfortunately, 2024 hasn’t been any kinder to Thiem. With a record of just 2-7 this year and his ranking plummeting to 209th in the world, it's been a tough road. Earlier this year, he announced his plans to retire at the end of the season, marking the end of a career that once promised to see him as a perennial contender among the sport's elite.
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Thiem's decline can be traced back to a combination of burnout and a wrist injury that has haunted him since 2021. Once considered the heir apparent to the Big Three—Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—Thiem's trajectory has taken a sharp downward turn. As he steps onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the question on everyone’s mind is: can he give the New York crowd a final glimpse of the brilliance that won him his only Grand Slam title four years ago?
Standing in Thiem’s way is the young and dynamic American, Ben Shelton. Shelton, who made it to the semifinals of the US Open last year, is coming off a solid summer with strong performances in Washington D.C. and Cincinnati. With the home crowd behind him and a booming serve that can reach speeds of 140 mph, Shelton is undoubtedly the favorite. The fast courts of the US Open only amplify his strengths, making his serves even more challenging to return. Thiem’s elegant one-handed backhand, while beautiful to watch, may struggle to handle Shelton's powerful lefty serves.
Sentimentally, many fans would love to see Thiem pull off a victory, especially in what could be his final US Open appearance. However, the odds are stacked against him. Shelton is not only in better form but also has the advantage of playing in front of a supportive American crowd. Despite the emotional backdrop of this match, Shelton’s firepower and confidence may be too much for Thiem to handle at this stage in his career.
As the match unfolds, it will be fascinating to see whether Thiem can turn back the clock, even if just for one more day, or if Shelton will solidify his status as one of the sport’s rising stars. Either way, this match serves as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows of a tennis career and the relentless nature of the sport itself.
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