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Ben Shelton reaches U.S. Open final by outplaying Frances Tiafoe in all-American clash
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the 2026 U.S. Open men’s semifinal, earning a spot in the final against Alexander Zverev.
- Shelton aims to break a 23-year Grand Slam drought for American men, a streak influenced by European dominance and challenges within American tennis.
- Despite a slow start, Shelton improved his serve and groundstrokes, maintaining pressure on Tiafoe and capitalizing on errors to secure victory.
- The match marked the first Grand Slam semifinal contested by two Black American men, highlighting a historic moment at the U.S. Open.
- Shelton's journey included a notable win over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament, showcasing his evolving all-around game and resilience.
