Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are pressing on with their quest to become the first American men to win a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows in 2003. The US Open has now entered its semi‑final phase, and both Americans have already delivered memorable performances that have captured the imagination of the home crowd. Shelton’s run this year has been nothing short of dramatic.
In the early hours of Wednesday, he faced the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in what turned out to be the latest‑finishing match in the tournament’s modern history. The German‑American youngster fought back from a set down and ultimately dispatched Alcaraz, securing his place in his third major semi‑final. This follows his previous semi‑final appearances at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open, marking him as a consistent threat in the latter stages of Grand Slam events. "That was a war," Shelton said after the match.
"It was the most enjoyable match I've ever played in my career." His comments underline the intensity of the battle and the personal satisfaction he derived from overcoming a top‑ranked opponent on such a grand stage. The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, 11 September, with both matches taking place in Arthur Ashe Stadium. The first encounter, slated for 3 p.m. local time (8 p.m.
UK), will feature Alexander Zverev against Karen Khachanov. The second match, kicking off at 7 p.m. local time (midnight UK), pits Ben Shelton against Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe’s path to the semi‑finals has been equally compelling.
After dropping the first two sets and a break in his quarter‑final against compatriot Alex Michelsen, he rallied to win the match, securing his third semi‑final appearance at the US Open. The American has already given New York fans a series of unforgettable moments, from his stunning victory over Rafael Nadal on his way to the 2022 semi‑finals to his decisive win over Shelton two years earlier.
Reflecting on his evolution, Tiafoe noted, "I'm a different person now. Those two runs to the semi‑finals were great and something I’ll cherish forever, but I’m not the same player I was in 2022 or 2024. I’m excited to see what this new version of me can do." He added that his expectations have risen: "I have higher hopes for myself. The tournament is still alive, there’s a lot more tennis to be played, and we’ll keep pushing forward." The stakes for the Tiafoe‑Shelton showdown are historic.
The winner would become the first Black American man to reach a US Open final since Arthur Ashe did so in 1972, and the first Black American male to contest any major final since MaliVai Washington’s 1996 Wimbledon appearance. This adds a layer of cultural significance to an already high‑pressure encounter.
Meanwhile, the men’s draw has been reshaped by the early exits of several top contenders. Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and the defending champion Alcaraz have all been eliminated, leaving Alexander Zverev as the clear favorite on paper.
Zverev, now the world No. 2, has already claimed his first Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this year and reached the Wimbledon final, giving him a wealth of experience in the closing stages of major tournaments. Zverev’s semi‑final opponent, Karen Khachanov, is seeking his first Grand Slam final after a career that includes semi‑final appearances at the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Australian Open. Unseeded for the first time in a Grand Slam since 2018, Khachanov has nonetheless shown resilience by reaching at least the third round in each of the four majors for the first time in his career.
However, his recent form on hard courts has been inconsistent, with early‑round losses in the lead‑up events to New York. The German’s head‑to‑head record against Khachanov is favorable; the two have met nine times, with Zverev holding a 6‑3 advantage.
Their most notable clash came at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where Zverev won gold by beating Khachanov in straight sets. Their only Grand Slam meeting prior to this US Open was at the 2018 French Open, where Zverev rallied from a set down to win in five. Zverev’s confidence appears strong, but he remains aware of the fine line between dominance and complacency.
He said, "The more often you reach this stage, the more normal it becomes, which is something you should never take for granted. Confidence is crucial, but it can evaporate quickly.
I learned that after Wimbledon when I struggled on hard courts, but I’ve found my rhythm again here. I’m happy with how things are going and hope to play two good matches." His remarks highlight the mental balance required to sustain performance at the highest level. On the other side of the draw, the Zverev‑Khachanov semi‑final is expected to be a tactical battle between two players from the same generation, both accustomed to the pressures of big‑stage tennis. Zverev, at 29, is considered a strong favorite, having defeated Shelton in all five of their previous meetings and losing only once in ten encounters with Tiafoe.
His recent straight‑sets victory over world No. 70 Botic van de Zandschulp further underscores his current form.
Beyond the on‑court narratives, there are broader storylines shaping the tournament. Former world No.
1 Lindsay Davenport praised Tiafoe’s recent transformation, noting a significant lifestyle and fitness overhaul that took place late last year. She remarked, "It’s not easy for players to make such changes, but Frances has restructured his life around tennis.
Seeing him battle back from two sets down shows a new level of determination." The US Open’s coverage continues to be widely accessible, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video experience, ensuring they don’t miss any of the decisive moments as the tournament approaches its climax.
In summary, the semi‑finals at Flushing Meadows promise a blend of historic milestones, personal redemption arcs, and high‑quality tennis. Whether Zverev will confirm his status as the tournament’s favorite or whether an American duo can finally break the long drought for a home champion remains to be seen.
The excitement is palpable, and the world will be watching as the final chapters of the 2026 US Open unfold.