Ben Shelton secured a spot in his first Grand Slam final by defeating compatriote Frances Tiafoe in four sets at the US Open, setting up a championship clash against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
Shelton Outlasts Tiafoe in All-American Semi-Final
The 23-year-old Shelton overcame a sluggish start to defeat fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. After dropping the opening set — during which his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, urged him from the player box to show more aggression on his second serve — the left-hander dialed in his powerful baseline game and overwhelming serve.
Shelton fired 20 aces during the match and racked up 47 winners. Radar guns briefly flashed an astonishing 158 mph (254 km/h) on one serve before the Hawkeye system officially corrected the reading to 144 mph (231 km/h). The intense atmosphere included notable spectators like New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, whom Shelton acknowledged after the victory. Shelton is now aiming to become the first American man to win the US Open singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003.
Zverev Battles Past Khachanov to Reach Third Major Final of the Season
Alexander Zverev advanced to his third Grand Slam final of the year by defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets, though the match proved demanding. The German competitor prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (8/6) in 2 hours and 56 minutes, saving two set points in a tense third-set tiebreak before sealing the victory on his first match point.
Zverev captured his maiden major title at Roland-Garros earlier in June and reached the final at Wimbledon in July.
Road to the Championship Sunday
Both finalists arrive at the title match with distinct momentum. Shelton has captured the attention of the home crowd with his athletic power and deep run, which included a memorable five-set victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament. Zverev, meanwhile, has rebounded from a pair of five-set struggles in the opening rounds to reel off four consecutive straight-set victories.
