Ben Shelton produced an awkward on-court interview at the US Open after recovering from a disastrous start to defeat Tallon Griekspoor in the first round.
The eighth-seeded American was beaten 6-1 in the opening set on Arthur Ashe Stadium before turning the match around to win 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.
But it was the interview immediately after the match that drew attention, as Shelton appeared visibly uncomfortable during the exchange in front of the New York crowd.
“I found things really difficult in the first set tonight,” Shelton said afterwards, acknowledging the slow start before explaining that he had trusted himself to find his rhythm as the contest progressed.
The victory continued a strong season for the 23-year-old, who has won four ATP Tour titles in 2026, including the Canadian Open earlier this month.
Shelton, a US Open semi-finalist in 2023, advanced to a second-round meeting with Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
