Ben Shelton arrived at the U.S. Open brimming with confidence and determined to be part of the American surge many believe could finally break through at Flushing Meadows.

"This is the biggest tournament of the year for me," the 22-year-old told reporters on Friday.

"I put a lot of work into being in a good place when I got here. Feeling confident about my game. Feel really good and prepared going into this tournament, so... Just excited to get out there, see what happens."

Shelton returns to New York riding the momentum of his maiden Masters 1000 title in Canada and a career-high world number six ranking, two years removed from his breakout run to the U.S. Open semi-finals.

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