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US Open finalist Ben Shelton is one victory away from ending the longest major-title drought in modern American men’s tennis. The 23-year-old powered past Frances Tiafoe in an electric all-American semifinal Friday night, earning the biggest opportunity of his career.
Shelton recovered from a slow start to defeat Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in front of nearly 24,000 fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The result secured Shelton’s first Grand Slam final and created a historic matchup against top seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
Ben Shelton’s Historic US Open Final Opportunity
The victory carries significance well beyond the scoreboard. Shelton is attempting to become the first American man to win a major championship since Andy Roddick lifted the US Open trophy in 2003. That 23-year wait has dominated conversations around the country’s men’s tennis program.
American women have continued to produce major champions during that period, but the men’s game has struggled to convert promising performances into Grand Slam titles. Taylor Fritz reached the US Open final in 2024, while Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and several younger players have made deep tournament runs.
Now Shelton has a chance to deliver on the promise that has surrounded him since his breakthrough at the 2023 Australian Open. His powerful left-handed serve, aggressive forehand and improving return game have made him one of the most dangerous players in the draw.
A Hard-Fought All-American Semifinal
The semifinal began with Tiafoe applying immediate pressure. Playing in his third US Open semifinal, the 28-year-old claimed the opening set and appeared ready to seize control of the match. Shelton, however, responded with greater intensity and steadily changed the contest.
His serve became increasingly difficult to read, while his return position moved forward and disrupted Tiafoe’s rhythm. Shelton also handled the most important points with remarkable composure, particularly late in the fourth set when Tiafoe attempted to force a deciding set.
After the final point, Shelton embraced Tiafoe at the net. The two Americans share a close relationship, with Shelton describing Tiafoe as a “big brother.” Their meeting guaranteed that a Black American man would reach the championship match, a milestone that had not occurred at the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
“This one is for her,” Shelton said after the match while dedicating the achievement to his grandmother, who died in March.
Why Shelton’s Rise Is So Remarkable
Shelton’s route to the top has been different from that of many elite players. Rather than turning professional as a teenager, he spent two seasons at the University of Florida, where his father, Bryan Shelton, was head coach.
That decision proved valuable. Shelton helped Florida win its first team NCAA championship in 2021 and captured the NCAA singles title the following season. The collegiate system gave him time to mature physically, refine his technique and develop confidence before beginning life on the professional tour.
Since turning professional, Shelton has established himself as one of America’s brightest hopes. He reached the Australian Open quarterfinals in only his second major tournament, later made the US Open semifinals in 2023 and won his first ATP title at the Japan Open that same year.
His progress has also been supported by a broader American resurgence. Fritz has become a consistent top-10 player, Paul reached a career-high No. 8 ranking, and young talents such as Learner Tien, Alex Michelsen and Brandon Nakashima have continued to make significant advances.
Alexander Zverev Stands Between Shelton and History
Zverev presents a formidable final obstacle. The German is the tournament’s top seed and the reigning French Open champion. He has also defeated Shelton in all five of their previous meetings, although the pair have not faced each other this season or at a Grand Slam.
Zverev acknowledged Shelton’s power, calling him a player with a “massive serve” and “massive groundstrokes.” Shelton, meanwhile, insists that his previous losses will not define Sunday’s contest.
The American already overcame a major challenge by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night quarterfinal thriller. Alcaraz entered the tournament as defending champion after returning from a wrist injury, while world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was sidelined.
That unexpected draw opened the door for an American breakthrough, but Shelton still had to walk through it. He has done so with fearless tennis and a willingness to attack important moments rather than wait for opponents to make mistakes.
What Is at Stake in Sunday’s Final?
A Shelton victory would end America’s men’s Grand Slam drought, make him the first American male major champion since Roddick, and create a defining moment for the country’s next generation of players.
He would also become the first former college player to win a major title since John McEnroe in 1984. For Shelton, the historic implications are clear, but his message has remained simple: stay grounded, compete aggressively and leave everything on the court.
“I’m going for it here, and I’m going to leave it all on the court,” Shelton told the crowd. The US Open final now offers him the perfect stage to turn that promise into history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Ben Shelton play in the US Open final?
Ben Shelton will face top-seeded Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final on Sunday.
Has Ben Shelton won a Grand Slam title?
No. The US Open final will be Shelton’s first major championship match.
When did an American man last win a Grand Slam?
Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a major, claiming the 2003 US Open title.
What makes Shelton’s final appearance historic?
Shelton is the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. He is also trying to become the first former college player to win a major title since John McEnroe in 1984.
