In a thrilling semifinal at the US Open on Friday, American teenager Ben Shelton overcame his fellow countryman Frances Tiafoe to earn a spot in the championship match against Germany's Alexander Zverev. The match unfolded against the backdrop of a solemn evening that marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, adding an emotional layer to the already high‑stakes encounter.
Shelton, who fell behind early, rallied from a first‑set deficit to win 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 7‑5. The victory not only propelled him into the final but also brought the United States one step closer to ending a 23‑year drought without a male Grand Slam champion. The last American man to capture a singles title at Flushing Meadows was Andy Roddick in 2003, and Shelton now has a realistic chance to become the next U.S. champion.
His achievement is also historically significant: Shelton is the first Black American to reach the US Open men’s final since Arthur Ashe did so in 1972. The milestone underscores the growing diversity of American tennis and adds a compelling narrative to the tournament’s closing stages. Earlier in the day, Zverev secured his own final berth by defeating fellow German Karen Khachanov in straight sets, 6‑3, 7‑6 (9‑7), 7‑6 (8‑6). The win moved the 29‑year‑old closer to a second Grand Slam title after he fell short in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem.
Zverev’s path to the final has been marked by resilience; after early‑round battles that stretched to five sets, he has now won four consecutive matches without dropping a set. Shelton’s post‑match comments reflected both personal determination and a broader sense of responsibility. "First, ‘Foe’ is like a big brother to me.
This is where we want to be, at the tail end of this tournament. I know what my goal is, what my job is. I’m going for it here. Let’s do this for the USA!
One more thing – it’s a difficult day to be out here playing. My thoughts and prayers go to all the families who were impacted by 9/11," he said, acknowledging the solemn commemorations taking place around the stadium.
The semifinal itself was a roller‑coaster. Tiafoe surged ahead 5‑4 in the first set after Shelton double‑faulted, then held serve to clinch the opening set. In the second set, Tiafoe continued to target Shelton’s backhand, but Shelton’s own serve began to turn the tide. At 2‑1, Shelton believed he had unleashed a 158 mph bullet – a speed that would have set a new Grand Slam record – but a subsequent Hawk‑Eye review confirmed the serve was actually clocked at 144 mph.
When the balls were changed at 3‑3, Shelton’s serve again stepped up. He opened the new set with a 125 mph delivery that forced Tiafoe into a defensive posture, followed by a series of serves measured at 144, 139 and 140 mph.
The increased pace helped Shelton level the match and eventually break in the fifth game of the third set, giving him a commanding lead. Shelton’s left‑handed power serve and his rock‑solid defense proved decisive in the high‑intensity fourth set.
The eighth seed kept the pressure on, ultimately sealing the match with a mixture of 47 winners and 20 aces. His aggressive play style, combined with a calm mental approach, allowed him to navigate the emotional weight of the evening and finish strong. Statistically, Shelton’s serving numbers were impressive. He recorded 20 aces and amassed a total of 47 winners, a testament to his offensive mindset.
By contrast, the all‑time US Open serve record remains with Andy Roddick, who hit 152 mph in 2002, while the fastest serve ever recorded in professional tennis belongs to Sam Groth, who struck a 163.6 mph serve in a Challenger event. Turning to Zverev, the German reflected on his own journey. After a rough second‑round match that ended at 3 a.m., he and his team found humor in the situation, which he said helped him stay relaxed.
"I have improved a little bit, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the US Open final," Zverev told reporters after his win over Khachanov. He also noted that playing his earlier matches during night sessions meant he was accustomed to late‑night finishes and the unique atmosphere of a tournament that often runs into the early hours. Zverev’s route to the final was aided by the absence of several top competitors, including Jannik Sinner, who exited early at the French Open, and by a favorable draw.
He also capitalized on upsets that saw Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic fall earlier than expected. In his semifinal, Zverev needed only a single break to take the first set, and an early break in the second set set up a routine-looking match.
However, a double fault from Khachanov gave the Russian a chance to get back on serve, leading to a tense tie‑break that Zverev eventually won after a marathon 35‑shot rally. The third set mirrored the second, with Khachanov holding set points at 6‑4 before Zverev’s powerful forehands and an ace forced a match point, which Zverev converted on his first opportunity.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Zverev expressed excitement about playing in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium rather than an empty arena. "A loud and energetic crowd is always great, as long as they’re fair," he said. Veteran tennis legend Martina Navratilova, speaking for Sky Sports Tennis, praised Zverev’s consistency throughout the season.
"What a year Zverev has had at the majors. It’s been outstanding stuff. No asterisks – he still had to get through even as a favourite," Navratilova remarked, noting his improved performance at Wimbledon compared to Roland Garros and his recent streak of four straight matches without dropping a set. The US Open final now promises a compelling clash between the rising American star Shelton, who carries the hopes of a nation yearning for a homegrown champion, and the seasoned German Zverev, who seeks to add a second Grand Slam title to his résumé.
Both players have demonstrated resilience, power, and mental fortitude throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a memorable showdown on Sunday. Fans can tune in to the final on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the match live from August 30 onward.
For those without a traditional TV subscription, the tournament is also available for streaming on NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering flexible viewing options. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to the Laver Cup, scheduled to take place at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also televised by Sky Sports. As the tournament reaches its climax, the narrative extends beyond the court: it is a story of personal ambition, national pride, and the enduring legacy of past tragedies. Shelton’s dedication to honoring the memory of 9/11 victims, combined with his historic run, adds a poignant dimension to what could become a landmark moment in American tennis history.
Meanwhile, Zverev’s quest for redemption and his appreciation for a vibrant crowd underline the universal appeal of Grand Slam competition. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the world will be watching as the US Open final unfolds.