The American men’s Grand Slam drought is 92 straight, 24 years and counting.

Ben Shelton’s run to the U.S. Open final showed he might be the best suited to end that malaise.

His one-sided 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 loss to Alexander Zverev showed how far he is from cracking into tennis’ new Big Three, from having a viable Plan B against the sport’s Big Three when he doesn’t have his A game.

“I’m motivated. Disappointed with how [Sunday] went. Happy with how I fought throughout the two weeks, excited with the progress I’ve made. But yeah, this one stings, 100 percent,” said Shelton. “Try to keep getting better and show up in Australia even stronger than I showed up here.”