An enthusiastic gathering of 23,000 spectators packed Arthur Ashe Stadium to support Ben Shelton as he attempted to become the first American male to capture a major singles championship since Andy Roddick in 2003. The young home favorite was additionally endeavoring to follow Arthur Ashe’s 1975 triumph as only the second Black man to win at this caliber. Hollywood luminaries Brad Pitt and Rami Malek watched from the stands alongside James Bond performer Pierce Brosnan, whom the broadcast director cheekily framed while the digital timer displayed exactly 0.07. Shelton possessed ample self-assurance entering the showcase event after earning career-first victories over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz during his run, despite losing all five previous encounters against his
German star halts home favorite’s campaign, extinguishing local title hopes in Flushing Meadows victory
