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Shelton Advances to US Open 2026 Men’s Final for Zverev Showdown
Confirmed
In Short: Ben Shelton secured his place in the US Open final with a victory over Frances Tiafoe, setting up a match against Alexander Zverev and potentially ending America's 23-year wait for a men's Grand Slam champion.
Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling US Open semifinal to advance to the final, where he will face Alexander Zverev, aiming to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since 2003.
Zverev also advanced to the final by defeating unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov, marking his second consecutive major final after his runner-up finish in 2020.
Shelton's victory was particularly poignant, coming on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and made him the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Reflecting on the moment, Shelton said, 'It’s a difficult day to be out here playing,' while also expressing gratitude to Tiafoe, calling him a 'big brother.
What's confirmed
- Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling US Open semifinal to advance to the final, where he will face Alexander Zverev, aiming to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since 2003.
- Zverev also advanced to the final by defeating unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov, marking his second consecutive major final after his runner-up finish in 2020.
- Shelton's victory was particularly poignant, coming on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and made him the first Black American man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
- Reflecting on the moment, Shelton said, 'It’s a difficult day to be out here playing,' while also expressing gratitude to Tiafoe, calling him a 'big brother.
What's still developing
- On a poignant evening that began with commemorations marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Tiafoe powered ahead 5-4 when Shelton produced a double fault, before raising the roof on the main show court with a hold to bag the first set.
- Shelton, the big-hitting 23-year-old who took down defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, now stands one victory away from becoming the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick hoisted the trophy at Flushing Meadows in 2003.
- French Open winner Zverev was pushed to five sets in each of his opening two rounds, but has now won four straight matches without dropping a set to charge into his third consecutive major final and stand in Shelton’s path.
- With his booming left-handed serve and his defence proving impenetrable in the high-octane fourth set, eighth seed Shelton heaped the pressure on late and moved into his maiden major final after a double fault by Tiafoe.
- “To be able to light it up in front of you guys is the best feeling there is.” Top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend earlier secured a team career Grand Slam with a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 victory over American wildcards Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery in the women’s doubles final.
- Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open singles titles since Serena Williams (2012-14) Aryna Sabalenka was fully aware she would have to win the US Open to stand any chance of stopping Elena Rybakina overtaking her as world number one.
- The four-time Grand Slam champion's victory over American third seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals was her finest display in months, playing with a fire and freedom that had been missing previously.
- However, not only was the 2022 Wimbledon champion able to play, but she cruised through her opening four matches thanks to a huge service game which rarely allowed opponents to get into points.