Ben Shelton absolutely powered his way into the US Open final, pulling off an insane four-set win over fellow American Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semi-final that had Arthur Ashe Stadium buzzing. Both guys were battling for their first Grand Slam final appearance, and after three hours and 17 minutes of dazzling shot-making, it was the 23-year-old Shelton, the eighth seed, who punched his ticket, coming back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
The Grind to Get There Was EPIC
This semi-final was everything fans could ask for. Shelton backed up his insane quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz by bringing the thunder, hitting 47 winners and blasting 20 aces against Tiafoe. He was lights out on his first serve, winning 77% of those points, and he absolutely feasted on Tiafoe’s second serve, taking 62% of those points. Shelton kicked things off with an ace, signaling his intent, but Tiafoe, the 11th seed, kept the pressure on. An early break chance for Tiafoe slipped away, but he eventually broke Shelton for a 5-4 lead and served out the first set. No sweat for Shelton though. He laser-focused a forehand down the line to break Tiafoe to love for a 2-0 lead in the second set. Tiafoe broke back immediately, but Shelton just kept pushing, eventually breaking again for a 5-3 lead and closing out the set. The third set was pure fireworks, with a 31-shot rally that Tiafoe won, only for Shelton to answer a couple of games later with a winner after a grueling 28-shot exchange to get another crucial break. This dude leaves nothing on the court!
History on the Line Against a Major Threat
Now, Shelton stares down Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s main event. Zverev, the top seed, earned his spot by beating unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6). This is Zverev’s third Grand Slam final in a row, and he is hunting for his second major title this year. For Shelton, it is about so much more. He is looking to end a 23-year drought for an American men’s singles winner in a Grand Slam, a wait that stretches back to Andy Roddick’s triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2003, just 11 months before Shelton was even born! American men have only reached a Grand Slam final six times since Roddick, with Taylor Fritz being the most recent two years ago in New York. The road to glory won’t be easy, as Shelton has dropped all five of his previous matches against Zverev. But you hear the confidence in his voice: “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. 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 also gave a shout-out to his late grandmother and those impacted by the 9/11 attacks, showing what this moment means.
For Sunday’s final, Shelton is calling on everyone: “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.” Get ready, because history could be made!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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