Ben Shelton delivered an electrifying performance on Friday, overcoming his fellow American Frances Tiafoe in a dramatic US Open semi‑final to earn a place in the championship match against Germany's Alexander Zverev. The match unfolded against a backdrop of solemn remembrance, as the tournament opened its evening with tributes marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Shelton, who fell behind early, rallied from a set down to win 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 7‑5, moving one step closer to ending a 23‑year drought for an American man to capture a Grand Slam singles title. The last U.S.
male champion at Flushing Meadows was Andy Roddick, who lifted the trophy in 2003. Shelton now has the opportunity to become the first American man to win a major since that triumph.
In addition, his appearance in the final makes him the first Black American to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe did so in 1972, a milestone that adds historical weight to his quest. Zverev, the third seed, secured his own final berth earlier in the day by defeating compatriot Karen Khachanov 6‑3, 7‑6 (9‑7), 7‑6 (8‑6).
The German’s victory brings him within striking distance of a second Grand Slam crown after his first came at the French Open. After the match, Shelton addressed the crowd, saying, "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." His remarks underscored both his personal motivation and the broader emotional context of the evening. The semi‑final began with Tiafoe taking an early lead, breaking Shelton’s serve to go up 5‑4 after a double fault from the American.
Tiafoe then held serve to close out the opening set. In the second set, Shelton shifted tactics, targeting Tiafoe’s backhand and unleashing a series of powerful serves.
At 2‑1, Shelton believed he had recorded the fastest serve in Grand Slam history at 158 mph, but a subsequent Hawk‑Eye review confirmed the speed at 144 mph. With fresh balls at 3‑3, Shelton’s serving weaponry intensified. He opened the rally with a 125 mph serve that forced Tiafoe into a defensive position, then followed with serves measured at 144, 139 and 140 mph, raising the intensity and keeping the match level. Shelton broke for the first time in the fifth game of the third set, establishing a decisive lead that he would never relinquish.
The fourth set turned into a showcase of Shelton’s left‑handed power and his impenetrable defense. The eighth seed kept the pressure on, eventually sealing an emotional victory.
He finished the match with 47 winners, including 20 aces, a statistic that highlighted his aggressive baseline play and dominant serving. Historically, the US Open has seen some of the fastest serves in the sport.
Andy Roddick holds the tournament record from 2002 with a 152 mph serve, while Sam Groth’s 163.6 mph serve in a Challenger event remains the all‑time high. Zverev’s path to the final has been equally compelling. After being pushed to five sets in each of his first two rounds, the German has won his last four matches in straight sets, showcasing a resurgence in form.
He previously finished as runner‑up in 2020, losing to Dominic Thiem, and now returns to Flushing Meadows with a chance to claim his second major title. Reflecting on his early tournament struggles, Zverev said, "After the second round at 3 am, my team and I were actually laughing at how bad I was playing. That sense of humour helped me. I have improved a little bit, otherwise I wouldn't be in the US Open final." His candid admission highlights the mental resilience required to navigate the grueling night sessions that have defined his campaign.
The German’s run has been aided by the absence of several top contenders, including Jannik Sinner, and by early defeats of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, creating a favorable draw. Zverev admitted that he initially doubted his prospects, noting, "I really started off the tournament, and I was like, 'Well, this is pointless because I'm not going to do anything here,' and here I am sitting and preparing for a Sunday final." In his semi‑final against Khachanov, Zverev needed only a single break to clinch the first set. A brief lapse allowed Khachanov back on serve, leading to a tense tie‑break that Zverev won after a marathon 35‑shot rally, despite trailing 5‑3 at one point. The third set mirrored the first, with Khachanov holding set points at 6‑4, but Zverev’s two wayward forehands and a decisive ace gave him match point, which he converted on the first opportunity.
Looking ahead to the final, Zverev expressed enthusiasm about playing before a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, saying, "I think it's going to be a fantastic feeling playing a final in a sold‑out Arthur Ashe and not in an empty one. For me, a loud and energetic crowd is always great, as long as they're fair." Former tennis great Martina Navratilova, speaking for Sky Sports Tennis, praised Zverev’s year, stating, "What a year Zverev has had at the majors. It's been outstanding stuff. Okay, Sinner lost early at the French Open and Alcaraz didn't play, but there are no asterisks; he still had to get through even as a favourite.
And that has given the confidence to play better tennis after that. I think he played better at Wimbledon than he did at Roland Garros, and now he started off badly here by his own admission, but he hasn't lost a set the last four matches." The US Open final, set for Sunday, promises a clash of contrasting styles: Shelton’s booming left‑handed serve and aggressive baseline play against Zverev’s powerful two‑handed backhand and tactical versatility.
Both players have demonstrated the mental fortitude and physical endurance required to succeed on the sport’s biggest stage, and the showdown will determine whether an American can finally break the 23‑year Grand Slam drought or whether the German will add a second major title to his résumé. Fans can catch the live action on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app. The tournament also offers a chance to see the Laver Cup live at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast by Sky Sports.