Shelton defeats Tiafoe to set up Zverev showdown in US Open final
Ben Shelton advanced to his maiden Grand Slam final after defeating compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the US Open semi-final on Friday. The eighth seed will face top seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s championship match.
Shelton now stands one victory away from becoming the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick triumphed in New York in 2003. The all-American clash took place on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, an occasion marked by a commemorative ceremony before the players took the court.
Tiafoe capitalised on a double fault by Shelton to secure a late break and claim the opening set. However, the 23-year-old Shelton quickly dialled up his intensity. Relying on a powerful left-handed serve, he fired 20 aces and consistently targeted his opponent’s backhand to take control of the match.
A pivotal turning point
The defining moment arrived late in the third set. With the players battling for momentum, Tiafoe attempted to hold serve during a gruelling 15-minute game consisting of 20 points. The effort ended when Tiafoe sent a forehand into the net, giving Shelton a crucial break and a two-sets-to-one lead.
158 MPH FROM BEN SHELTON 💨 https://t.co/kHPV9KnSKA
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 12, 2026
Shelton maintained his composure in the fourth set. A radar gun malfunction briefly clocked one of his serves at 158 mph, which would have shattered tournament records, before officials corrected the speed to a still-blistering 144 mph. He ultimately broke Tiafoe in the 12th game to seal the victory. The defeat drops Tiafoe to an 0-3 record in US Open semi-finals.
Zverev awaits in the final
Earlier on Friday, Zverev booked his place in the final by eliminating Russia’s Karen Khachanov in straight sets. The German secured a 6-3, 7-6 (9), 7-6 (8) win after two hours and 58 minutes on the court. Zverev broke early in both the first and second sets, though Khachanov fought back to force tie-breaks in the latter two.
Ben Shelton after reaching his first Grand Slam final at U.S. Open «2003 since the last time an American man won the title. It’s been since 1972 that a black man played in the final here. It was Arthur Ashe. On Sunday you will set foot on Arthur Ashe stadium looking to take your first Grand Slam title. When you hear that what goes through your mind?» Ben: «It’s a lot of emotion. My mom and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today. My dad lost his mom earlier this year. She’s the reason he was able to play tennis. Without her there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her. Ima need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy. We’re going for it here. Ima leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do this for the USA. One more thing, it’s a difficult day to be out here playing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all families who are impacted by 9/11. This is one of the greatest cities in the world and one of the biggest tragedies. Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved and affected.» ❤️
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 12, 2026
Zverev leaned on his experience to navigate the high-pressure moments, saving two set points in the final tie-break. The top seed has already claimed the French Open title and reached the Wimbledon final this season. On Sunday he will attempt to spoil the American crowd’s hopes and secure his second major championship of the year.
