NEW YORK, September 12: American tennis star Ben Shelton defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in a gripping US Open semi-final to reach the first Grand Slam final of his career. The 23-year-old will face top seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s men’s singles final.
Shelton Comes Back After Losing Opening Set
Tiafoe made the better start at Arthur Ashe Stadium and claimed the opening set 6-4. Shelton, however, responded strongly in the second and third sets, using his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game to take control of the contest.
The fourth set remained closely contested before Shelton secured the decisive break late in the set and closed out the match 7-5 to complete the comeback.
First Grand Slam Final for Shelton
The victory marks a major milestone for Shelton, who had previously reached the US Open semi-finals in 2023 but had never played in a Grand Slam final.
His run in New York has included several impressive victories, most notably a dramatic five-set quarter-final win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. Shelton defeated Alcaraz 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 to reach the last four.
Chance to End 23-Year American Drought
Shelton now has the opportunity to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.
His victory over Tiafoe also made him the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, adding further historical significance to his run at Flushing Meadows.
Tiafoe Falls Short Again
Tiafoe was attempting to reach his first Grand Slam final after previous deep runs at the US Open.
Despite taking the opening set, he was unable to maintain the same level as Shelton increased the pressure with his serve and powerful groundstrokes. The defeat ends another strong New York campaign for the American.
Alexander Zverev Awaits in Final
Shelton will meet Alexander Zverev in the final after the German defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(9-7), 7-6(8-6) in the other semi-final.
Zverev, the top seed, is returning to the US Open final for the first time since finishing runner-up to Dominic Thiem in 2020.
The German has historically enjoyed success against Shelton, but the American will enter Sunday’s contest with confidence after producing some of the biggest victories of his career during this tournament.
Shelton One Win Away From History
A victory in the final would not only give Shelton his maiden Grand Slam title but would also end one of the longest droughts in American men’s tennis.
With his powerful serve, energetic style and home support behind him, Shelton now has one final match between himself and the biggest title of his career.
source – Reuters / US Open
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