Florida Gators Participate in the 2021 Tennis US Open

The 2021 Tennis US Open tournament started on Monday, Aug. 24.  Depending on the results, the event may single the start of a new era in the sport.

Since the 2003 Wimbledon, 60 of the 71 men’s major tournaments have been won by either Rodger Feder, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic.  That said, with the first two now at 40 and 35 years old respectively, both Federer and Nadal are not participating in the competition.  Furthermore, although favored to lift the tournaments trophy, Novak Djokovic is not the player he once was now at 34 years old.  If a young a rising star is able to break through and host the Borg-Warner Trophy, it may represent a changing of the guard.

The 2021 US Open will be the first Grand Slam event without Serena Williams, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal in the main singles draw since the 1997 US Open.

End of an era.#USOpen

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 25, 2021

Ben Shelton and Sam Riffice are both current Florida Men’s Tennis players who competed in the tournament.  Unfortunately, both have since been eliminated.

Qualifiers

Shelton finished runner up during the 2021 18u USTA Boy’s National Singles Championships.  As a result, he earned a qualifying bid to the US Open.  In the opening round of qualifiers, he pulled a large upset and defeated Michael Mmoh.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT 🔥

Ben Shelton just won his first US Open singles match in the qualifiers against Michael Mmoh, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5), to advance to the second round!#GoGators 🐊🎾 pic.twitter.com/6C2AHTUA41

— Gators Men's Tennis (@GatorsMTN) August 25, 2021

In the 2nd round of qualifiers, Shelton faced Botic Van de Zandschulp.  Although the match went all three sets, he unfortunately fell by of score of 6-3, 5-7, 4-6.  Despite the loss, being just a sophomore, Shelton has a very bright future ahead.

Main Draw

Different from Shelton, Riffice earned a wild card bid to the Men’s Main Singles Draw.  In the first round, he faced the tournaments 15th overall seed, Grigor Dimitrov.  Despite their difference in ranking, Riffice put up a good fight.  Although he lost in straight sets, Rifice gave Dimitrov nothing easy and made him earn the win.

Sam put up a battle against the No. 18 player in the world, Grigor Dimitrov, but would fall in a tough match, 1-6, 6-7 (3), 3-6.

Gator Nation is proud of you, Sam! pic.twitter.com/IFtLKC55z4

— Gators Men's Tennis (@GatorsMTN) August 30, 2021

Shelton earned a spot in the main doubles draw, but was forced to withdraw before his first match due to COVID-19 Protocols.

What’s Next

Coverage of the tournament will continue on ESPN through Sunday, Sept. 12th.