Experts' picks: Who will win the US Open men's title? - ESPN

On Sunday, Ben Shelton will take on Alexander Zverev in the US Open final — and with plenty of history on the line. Shelton has the chance to become the first American man in 23 years to win a major title. But it's also Shelton's first Grand Slam final appearance — and he has yet to beat Zverev in their previous five meetings.

Who will win? Our experts break it down.

D'Arcy Maine: Continue to believe and trust in himself — and know that he can do the previously undoable. Frances Tiafoe, who has also played Zverev 10 times on tour, was asked this very question after the semifinal, and he said Shelton would «take his moments,» continue to engage the crowd and forget about his winless 0-5 record against Zverev.

«Obviously, you know, take the head-to-head out of it and actually believe he can win the tennis match,» Tiafoe said. «He's got to be good for a couple of hours, maybe plus, and see what happens.»

And that really might just be the key. Before the US Open, Shelton had never recorded a win against Carlos Alcaraz in three attempts, but that ultimately meant nothing when it mattered most. On Friday night, Shelton called all of it «uncharted territory» but the «perfect opportunity to put it all on the line.» He will need to bring that same mentality — and his unbelievable serve — to the final on Sunday.

Simon Cambers: Ride the incredible wave he has been on this summer and play his game. Shelton has the best serve in the game, not just in pace but also in variety, and if he uses it smartly against Zverev, he has a great chance. He has lost all five of his meetings with Zverev, but they have not played this year, in which time Shelton has made significant improvements, especially on his return.

If he can serve as he has