Ben Shelton advanced to the final of the 2026 US Open by defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in a semifinal match on Friday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton, the No. 8-seeded player from Florida, overcame a shaky opening set characterized by tentative serving, seven winners, and 14 unforced errors, according to The New York Times. Backed by 20 aces and a powerful service game, the 23-year-old rallied to secure the four-set victory, according to The Associated Press.
Ben Shelton Reaches 2026 US Open Final After Defeating Frances Tiafoe
With the win, Shelton became the first Black American man to reach a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, and the first to reach any major final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon in 1996. The match also marked the first time two Black men contested a Grand Slam semifinal. Following the victory, Shelton expressed mutual respect for his opponent, stating, On Foe, he’s like a big brother to me,
as reported by The Associated Press. To be honest, every time that we get to take this court together, Arthur Ashe, and play each other is super special. This is where we want to be: at the tail end of this tournament.
Frances Tiafoe’s Semifinal Run Ends in New York
Frances Tiafoe’s tournament ended in the semifinals for the third time in five years, following previous semifinal appearances in 2022 and 2024. The 28-year-old Washington, D.C.-area native captured the first set in front of a packed crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but ultimately fell short in four sets, dropping to 0-3 lifetime in US Open semifinals. Despite the defeat, Tiafoe received a standing ovation from the spectators as he left the court.
Tiafoe’s exit closes another deep run at his favorite tournament, leaving him winless in his last-four stage appearances, including a previous semifinal loss to fellow American Taylor Fritz in 2024. Shelton ultimately closed out the final game in the fourth set when Tiafoe served at 5-6 and missed a forehand following consecutive backhands from Shelton.
Championship Sunday Matchup Against Alexander Zverev
Shelton will face No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany in Sunday’s final. Zverev advanced to the title match after defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (6) in the day’s first semifinal. Zverev enters the final holding a 5-0 career head-to-head record against Shelton, having won the past 10 sets between them, though Sunday’s encounter will mark their first-ever meeting in a major tournament.
By reaching the championship match, Shelton has an opportunity to end a 23-year drought for American men in Grand Slam singles, with the last major title won by a host-nation player coming from Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open. I’m going for it here, and I’m going to leave it all on the court,
Shelton said of Sunday’s final. I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do it for the USA.
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