Shelton reaches US Open final after beating Tiafoe

Atlanta‑born 23‑year‑old Ben Shelton advanced to his first Grand Slam final on Friday night at the US Open, rallying from a set down to defeat fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 7‑5 in a high‑profile semi‑final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The four‑set victory, secured under the arena’s lights, marked Shelton’s breakthrough on tennis’s biggest stage and positioned him one win away from becoming the first U.S. man to capture a major title since Andy Roddick’s triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2003.

Shelton’s ascent follows a long line of American hopefuls—Roddick, Andre Agassi, James Blake, Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, John Isner, Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz—who have repeatedly reached the later rounds of majors only to fall short of a championship. Now he will contest the title against top seed Alexander Zverev, who awaits the winner of the men’s final. Shelton’s run revives U.S. men’s tennis prospects and adds a new chapter to the tournament’s narrative as the sport’s traditional European dominance is challenged.