In all, there are 23 men from the U.S. in the field, the most since the same number were in the draw in 1997 at what Fritz called "the most important tournament for us Americans all year."

Shelton -- a semifinalist at the 2023 U.S. Open and this year's Australian Open -- went 5-for-5 in saving break points while also winning 78.2 percent of his first-serve points (43 of 55). He brushed off 32 unforced errors and tried not to look too far ahead during his post-match interview.

Ben Shelton loves playing at the US Open, and he's started off the final grand slam of the year with a straight-set victory.