Ben Shelton secured his place in the US Open final with a four-set victory over compatriot Frances Tiafoe, setting up a championship clash with Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
In an electric all-American semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, eighth-seeded Shelton recovered from a set down to defeat 11th-seeded Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. The three-hour-and-17-minute contest saw both players deliver dazzling shot-making, but Shelton ultimately prevailed to reach his first Grand Slam final.
The result sends Shelton into the title match against top seed Zverev, who advanced after defeating unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6). Zverev’s win marks his third consecutive Grand Slam final appearance and keeps alive his pursuit of a second major title this year.
Shelton, 23, will aim to end a 23-year drought for American men in Grand Slam singles, a streak that dates back to Andy Roddick’s triumph in New York in 2003. However, the task ahead is formidable; Shelton has lost all five previous meetings with Zverev.
“Frances is like a big brother to me, every time that we get to take to this court together and play each other is super special,” Shelton told the raucous crowd. He also paid tribute to his late grandmother and those affected by the 9/11 attacks, which marked its 25th anniversary.
“This is both of our favourite tournament, our favourite court in the world and to be able to light it up in front of you guys is the best feeling there is,” he added. “I’m going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy. I’m going to leave it all on the court and I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do this for the USA.>
The semi-final between the two Americans produced 74 winners combined, with Shelton accounting for 47, including 20 aces. He capitalised on Tiafoe’s second serve, winning 62% of points when his opponent failed to land a first serve.
Earlier in the day, Zverev withstood pressure from Khachanov, who saved two set points in the third set. The German top seed, who has not dropped a set since his fifth-round match, described his early tournament struggles humorously.
“After the second round, at about 3am I was sitting with my team in the locker room and we were laughing at how bad I was playing,” Zverev said. “That sense of humour helped me. I obviously have improved a bit otherwise I would not be in the US Open final.>
Zverev will now play in his second US Open final, having lost to Dominic Thiem in five sets in 2020. With defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner knocked out by injuries, the German has found consistency, reaching the semi-finals of all four majors this season.
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