gg2
Patrick McEnroe news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Patrick McEnroe picks Ben Shelton to win the 2026 US Open.
The pick ends a 23-year American men's Grand Slam drought.
Background
Patrick McEnroe, ESPN analyst and brother of John McEnroe, made a bold prediction ahead of the 2026 US Open, picking American Ben Shelton to win the men's singles title. Shelton, the No. 8 seed, recently defended his Canadian Open title without dropping a set. The prediction comes as top-ranked Jannik Sinner withdrew due to a knee injury, and Carlos Alcaraz returns from a wrist injury with uncertain form.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Ben Shelton defends his Canadian Open title, defeating Brandon Nakashima in the final without dropping a set.
- Aug 22, 2026Patrick McEnroe discusses US Open storylines with the New York Post, making a bold men's prediction.
- Aug 23, 2026Reports surface that Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a lingering knee injury.
- Aug 24, 2026Patrick McEnroe officially announces his pick for Ben Shelton to win the US Open during an ESPN conference call.
- Aug 25, 2026Tennis Now publishes McEnroe's prediction, highlighting the 23-year American men's Grand Slam drought.
- Aug 26, 2026McEnroe also notes that returning Carlos Alcaraz has a 'monster opportunity' at the US Open.
Who’s saying what
- Patrick McEnroe
- I'm picking Big Ben, I'm going for it. I like Shelton to win the Open, and I can stop getting this question after 20-some years.
- Caution
- Some analysts note Shelton stumbled at the Cincinnati Open, possibly due to fatigue, and Alcaraz's return could pose a threat.
Still unverified
The claim that Shelton will win is a personal prediction, not a fact. Alcaraz's form is considered an unknown.