Ben Shelton believes his newly acquired problem-solving skills can carry him to a maiden Grand Slam title when he faces Alexander Zverev in the final of the US Open on Sunday.
The big-serving 23-year-old powered into the first major championship final of his career on Friday after muscling his way past close friend Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal.
The eighth-seeded Shelton was in irresistible form as he stormed to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory in front of a raucous home crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It was another impressive milestone on Shelton's journey through this year's tournament, which included an epic five-set victory in the quarterfinals over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Shelton, who blasted 20 aces in Friday's semifinal win, said his success at Flushing Meadows this year has been based on his ability to align brain with brawn.
"I think that problem-solving has been the name of the game here," said Shelton, who had never beaten Alcaraz in three previous meetings before his last-eight triumph over the Spanish star.
"It's been a lot of uphill battle, so I think that I'm fully ready for the challenge to problem-solve," Shelton said.
"I feel that I'm a different player. I feel like I have so many more tools. I feel like I know my identity, am comfortable in my own skin, and I know what it takes for me to be playing top-level tennis.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge, being able to problem-solve on Sunday. I know what I'm up against, and I'm also the most confident I've ever been in my game.
"For me, this whole tournament now at this point has been uncharted territory. I'm in positions I've never been in before. I've beaten guys that I have never beaten before. I'm just excited to put it all out on the line."
Shelton is now one win away from becoming the first American man to win a Grand Slam title in 23 years. The last player to lift a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.
He is adamant he will not be burdened by the weight of history in Sunday's final.
"I think that I handle these big situations in my career pretty well," Shelton said. "I feel that confidence and belief take over.
"The nerves are always there. It's something that you got to kind of lean into. The nerves are as much there in the first round for me as in the semifinals, and I'm sure that the finals will be the same.
"It's something you've got to be able to overcome, but for me I'm having fun, you know? This is an enjoyable moment for me and knowing that I can leave it all out there on the court and push myself to the absolute limit is an exciting, exciting thought."