Key Takeaways
- Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling four-set match.
- Shelton will play Alexander Zverev in the US Open final.
- Zverev also secured his place in the final by defeating Karen Khachanov.
American tennis player Ben Shelton secured his first Grand Slam final appearance by defeating his compatriot Frances Tiafoe in a hard-fought four-set match on Friday. Shelton, who is the eighth seed, showcased his powerful serve, hitting 20 aces, to triumph 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
The match was a significant milestone for Shelton, who previously defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. His victory sets up a showdown with Alexander Zverev, who emerged victorious over 50th-ranked Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(9/7), 7-6(8/6). Zverev, the top seed, is eager to play spoiler and prevent the American dream from coming true on Sunday.
Shelton expressed his gratitude to his family, particularly his late mother, saying, 'Without her, there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. So this one is for her. And I’m gonna need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy. I’m going for it. I’m gonna leave it all on the court.'
The semi-final match was a star-studded affair, with tennis legends and celebrities in attendance. Serena Williams, Stan Smith, Lindsey Davenport, actors Ben Stiller and Rami Malek, and New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson were among those who witnessed the intense competition.
Tiafoe took the first set after Shelton uncharacteristically double-faulted to trail at 5-4. They traded breaks early in the second set, but Shelton broke for a 5-3 lead and levelled the match. The momentum shifted in the third set, with Shelton breaking for a 3-2 lead and seizing the set with a break in a marathon ninth game that went to deuce seven times.
The fourth set was equally tense, with Tiafoe raising his level and gaining the crucial break in the final game. Zverev, who has been through two five-setters to open the tournament, has steadily upped his game, and his victory over Khachanov was described as 'anything but straightforward.'
Khachanov put up a spirited challenge, denying Zverev on two set points in the second-set tiebreak with a thumping forehand and a brilliant backhand down the line before Zverev closed out the set. Neither player mustered a break point in a tense third set, showcasing the high level of competition in the semi-finals.
The final will see Shelton, who has not won a Grand Slam title since 2003, when Andy Roddick triumphed at the US Open, face Zverev. Zverev, who has reached his third straight Grand Slam final, is eager to play spoiler and prevent the American dream from coming true on Sunday.
Without her, there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. So this one is for her. And I’m gonna need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy. I’m going for it. I’m gonna leave it all on the court.
Ben Shelton, Tennis player
Straight-set win, but anything but straightforward.
Alexander Zverev, Tennis player
