John McEnroe has previously defended US Open finalist Ben Shelton over accusations that he can be 'cocky' on the court. The 23-year-old American is aiming for his first-ever grand slam title when he faces Alexander Zverev in the US Open showpiece on Sunday evening.
Before his run at Flushing Meadows, Shelton's best grand slam result came at the 2025 French Open, where he reached the last eight. His larger-than-life character on court has often made more headlines than his tennis prowess so far in his career.
McEnroe's 2023 prediction
Speaking in 2023, McEnroe, who was notorious for his own on-court outbursts, predicted big things for the young American. While he admitted Shelton has a slight penchant for show-boating, the tennis legend said he would too, given Shelton's natural ability, most notably his astonishingly rapid serve.
In September 2023, McEnroe said: "The serve is amazing. He's a great kid, he looks to be in really good shape. He's finally come around, he's doing his thing. He got a little cocky here when he saw the 149mph. I would be too. That would be what I normally do in kilometres."
"This guy has got more upside than any other American, I believe. I thought that in Australia. He's had some growing pains. But I tell you what, this guy is going to be the real deal."
Controversy and defence
After beating fellow American Frances Tiafoe at the 2024 US Open, Shelton flexed his bicep at his rival during a tense tiebreak. He later celebrated wildly after winning the match, and his actions caused a stir among sections of tennis fans, who took to social media.
"Shelton needs to grow up, until then, he will just be a cocky, typical new generation kid, a footnote in tennis history," one fan said. "Kinda rude," another fan chimed in, while another said: "Pride comes before a fall, cocky guy hasn't learned that lesson yet."
Speaking at the 2024 US Open, Shelton defended himself. "I think that was just kind of me being myself," he said. "Me giving some shout-outs to my friends. I think that it's something that I guess wasn't taken the way that I wanted it to be, but I don't think it deterred me from being who I am."
Focus shift ahead of final
This year, Shelton looks to have gone up a gear. He has beaten seven-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz and Tiafoe on the way to the final in New York and appears to have ditched some of the more controversial on-court actions he can be prone to.
Former American star Andy Roddick believes Shelton's focus has shifted and he is ready to take his first title. "Ben's focus the last two matches has been different," Roddick said on an episode of his Served podcast.
"It has been head down, he has been a little mean looking, not as jokey, not as much of a laugh. He has been a full adult in the last two matches. It's smouldering intensity. I love it. He had his head down against Alcaraz. He had his head down against Foe. This will be exciting. It's two of the biggest servers in the game and I think he can do it."
