Ben Shelton reaches US Open final, set to face Alexander Zverev
American teenager Ben Shelton advanced to his first Grand Slam final after defeating Frances Tiafoe, and will play top-seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday, offering a chance to end a 23-year U.S. men’s title drought.
Ben Shelton moved into the US Open men’s final on Saturday after rallying past Frances Tiafoe in a four-set semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 23-year-old, who earlier in the tournament upset world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, won 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in front of a crowd of nearly 24,000, including Serena Williams and other celebrities. His victory puts him in position to become the first American man to win a major since 2003 and the first Black American man in a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Shelton will meet top-seed Alexander Zverev, the French Open champion, on Sunday. Zverev, who has not faced Shelton at a major before, described his opponent as a "big, powerful guy" with a massive serve and groundstrokes. Shelton acknowledged the historic context but said he is focused on playing his best tennis.
The American’s run follows a resurgence among U.S. men’s players, with several reaching later stages of majors in recent years. Former player Mary Joe Fernández noted that the US Open is the most open of the men’s majors for American contenders. Former world No. 8 Tommy Paul echoed the sentiment, saying the pressure of a 23-year title drought is felt but that a win is likely forthcoming.
Shelton’s path to the final has been shaped by a collegiate career at the University of Florida, where he won an NCAA team title in 2021 and the singles championship the following season. His father, former pro Bryan Shelton, now serves as his coach. Shelton’s success makes him the first former college player to reach a Grand Slam final since John McEnroe in 1984.
"I'm going for it here, and I'm going to leave it all on the court," Shelton said after his semifinal win.
"Of all the men's majors, this is the one that's most wide open for the Americans," ESPN analyst Mary Joe Fernández said ahead of the tournament.
"Ben is just a big, powerful guy. Massive serve, massive groundstrokes. Everything he does is just big," Zverev said on Friday.
Shelton dedicated his performance to his late grandmother, who he said inspired his journey, and expressed excitement about the upcoming match, noting that despite past losses to Zverev, he feels prepared for the challenge.