There’s no doubt one of us will get there sooner or later," Shelton optimistic about Americans' Grand Slam quest

Despite several finals, no American has won a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick at the US Open in 2003. A drought of over 20 years that long worried many American fans, but hope has been renewed with the new generation, including Fritz and Shelton.

Asked by the press during their reunion in Toronto, Shelton expressed strong optimism on the topic:

"It’s a motivation for us, but there’s no pressure. I have no doubt that one of us will get there sooner or later. Who will it be? No one knows—you’ll just have to wait and see. Still, I think American tennis is in a really good place right now."

The 22-year-old player then went into more detail about his upcoming match against his compatriot, whom he has faced only once before: in the second round of Indian Wells in 2023 (Fritz won 4-6, 6-4, 6-3).

"I’m really excited. I faced him more or less at the start of my career on tour. We had a great battle in Indian Wells, but I’ve never played him in the later stages of a tournament, since it was an early-round match.

I’m really pumped—he’s a big-match player. Lately, he’s been the one carrying the U.S. in the major tournaments. He’s clutch in key moments and serves really well. We’re great friends. It’s a match I can’t wait to play.