Ben Shelton Advances to U.S. Open Final, Set to Face Alexander Zverev

NEW YORK – Ben Shelton, a powerful 23-year-old from Florida, secured a significant victory on Friday night. He defeated Frances Tiafoe in the U.S. Open semifinals, showcasing his growing skill set in a match that ended with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.

Shelton is set to face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the finals on Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This match presents Shelton with the opportunity to end a 23-year Grand Slam drought for American men. This achievement seemed unlikely two decades ago, as European players dominated the scene alongside a decline in American tennis focus and athlete participation in other sports.

Although not considered the standout player to challenge global elites, Shelton’s commitment and improvement in his game are evident. His ability to diversify his play style has taken him beyond the typical American power-serving norms. Shelton reflected on the significance of this moment and acknowledged the pressure, saying, “I’ve been able to downplay the moment pretty well.”

The last Black man to win this title was Arthur Ashe in 1968, a historic feat that Shelton and his father, Bryan, are keenly aware of as Shelton prepares for the final against Zverev.

“The nerves are always there,” Shelton remarked, emphasizing the mental aspect of his play.

Tiafoe put up a strong fight in the semifinals. Though trailing, he delivered a perfect topspin lob during the fourth set, showing his resilience. Ultimately, Shelton’s power play secured the victory in a tense final set at 5-6 as Tiafoe double-faulted.

Shelton had previously reached Grand Slam semifinals, losing to Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. He recently defeated top player Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set match, evidencing his growth.

Reflecting on Shelton’s early loss at Wimbledon, his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, shared insights into the rigorous work post-tournament. They saw that experience as a turning point. “Wimbledon was a sour pill, losing in the first round there. But he didn’t hang his head,” Bryan noted, pointing out their focused training afterward.

After a shaky start against Tiafoe, Shelton found his rhythm. Errors during the first set gave Tiafoe the lead, but the second set saw Shelton regaining control with powerful serves and consistent play. Despite pressures, Shelton exhibited persistence, leading to his eventual win.

The match against Zverev presents challenges, considering Zverev’s 5-0 record against Shelton and his success against left-handed players. Yet, Shelton is confident in his evolving capabilities and determination to make history in the upcoming final.