Ben Shelton had his chance to become the first American since Andy Roddick to win the U.S. Open. It did not really come close for the No.8 ranked tennis player in the world.

He started with two straight sets going to Alexander Zverev. Zverev, 29, played with more competitiveness and did not unrelent.

Shelton, 23, eventually climbed back in the third set but that was it for the American. Many people went home disappointed including the time the U.S. National Men’s soccer team were left empty handed.

It was just a bad note to end the summer on the tennis circuit. The good news is that Shelton will not stop as he competes in the Davis Cup next.

Roddick won the U.S. Open when he was 21 years old and just imagine the endless possibilities for Shelton as he played a great tennis player in Alexander Zverev and not Novak Djokovic who looks ready to retire after a first round exit in the U.S. Open and a spectacular career.

Shelton can most certainly look up to a player of both stature and continue forward his tennis legacy at a young age.