Ignacio Buse’s dream is taking shape in New York as he makes his first Grand Slam main-draw appearance at the US Open after qualifying. The Peruvian will open against his fellow North American rising star, Bryan Shelton’s son Ben Shelton, in a first-round clash at Ashe Stadium. Shelton sits among the ATP’s higher-ranked young players, listed around No. 6 in the ATP rankings, and the match pits a hopeful newcomer against a rapidly rising opponent on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Buse’s path to this moment reads like a story of early promise, stubborn determination, and a few twists of fate. In 2022 he was recognized as one of the world’s top junior prospects and drew interest from the best college programs in the United States. His wish list included the University of Florida, Baylor, and the University of Georgia. He recalls visiting Florida with his father, Hans Buse, who coached him, and meeting Bryan Shelton, then UF’s head coach. The moment was memorable: he told Shelton he was leaning toward Georgia, but that UF would always be in his thoughts and that their paths would cross again someday.
Yet Buse never enrolled in college tennis. Visa hurdles prevented him from joining a U.S. college program, and after a breakout win over Nicolas Jarry last year when he was just 19 and outside the top 400 in the ATP rankings, college tennis drifted off the radar. Instead, the 21-year-old redirected his focus to developing his game overseas.
His tennis journey began at the Country Club de Villa in Peru, where his father coached him from a very young age. The early years were about learning the basics, fierce competition against his father, and a growing love for the sport. As he progressed, Buse moved to Barcelona to train at the Tennis Empowerment Centre Carles Ferrer Salat, under coach Juan Lizariturry. There, he has benefited from mentorship by Albert Costa, the 2002 Roland Garros champion, who emphasizes staying 100 percent prepared for the next point and clearing the slate after every mistake.
Buse’s support system also includes his family circle, notably his uncle, world-renowned chef Gaston Acurio. The team’s recent stop at Acurio’s New Jersey restaurant Jarana underscored the close ties fueling his confidence. “Let’s go beat this guy,” Acurio told him with that familiar mix of warmth and competitive fire.
On Sunday, Buse will face Shelton, a test not only of skill but of experience against a player who has quickly ascended the rankings. Buse says the goal is simple: treat each round as just another match, visualize success, and enjoy the journey, step by step.
This landmark appearance at the US Open signals a significant milestone for Peru’s rising tennis talent, driven by a blend of family support, trusted mentors, and a relentless focus on the next point. It also highlights how perseverance can turn early promise into a first Grand Slam main-draw appearance on one of tennis’ grandest stages.
Summary: Ignacio Buse makes his US Open main-draw debut after a rapid rise from junior standout to professional, facing Ben Shelton in the opening round as he continues to build his career with strong mentorship and international training.