Ben Shelton secured a dramatic victory over his fellow American Frances Tiafae in the US Open semi‑final on Friday, earning the right to face Alexander Zverev in the championship match. The evening was charged with emotion, beginning with tributes to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Shelton rallied from a set down, overturning a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 scoreline to move one step closer to ending a 23‑year drought for a U.S. man to win a Grand Slam singles title.
The last American male to lift a major trophy was Andy Roddick, who captured the US Open in 2003, making Shelton’s run especially significant. Notably, Shelton becomes the first Black American to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe did so in 1972.
Earlier in the day, Alexander Zverev clinched his spot in the final by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6), positioning himself for a second Grand Slam title. Zverev, the French Open champion, had endured five‑set battles in his first two rounds but then cruised through four straight matches without dropping a set, showcasing his resilience and form.
Shelton’s post‑match comments captured his determination and respect for the day’s solemn context. “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. The semi‑final itself was a roller‑coaster. Tiafae surged ahead 5-4 after Shelton double‑faulted, then held serve to claim the opening set. In the second set, Tiafae continued to target Shelton’s backhand, but at 2-1, Shelton believed he had recorded the fastest serve in Grand Slam history at 158 mph.
A subsequent review by Hawk‑Eye and the USTA corrected the figure to 144 mph. With fresh balls at 3‑3, Shelton unleashed a 125 mph serve that forced Tiafae into a defensive posture, followed by serves clocking in at 144, 139 and 140 mph.
The increased intensity helped Shelton break in the fifth game of the third set, establishing a commanding lead. His powerful left‑handed serve and rock‑solid defense proved decisive in the high‑octane fourth set, allowing the eighth seed to apply relentless pressure and close out the match.
Shelton finished with 47 winners and 20 aces, a performance that underscored his growing stature on the tour. Historical context adds depth to Shelton’s achievement. The record for the fastest serve at the US Open belongs to Andy Roddick, who hit 152 mph in 2002, while Sam Groth holds the all‑time record with a 163.6 mph serve in a Challenger event. Shelton’s serves, regularly topping 140 mph, place him among the sport’s most powerful hitters.
Zverev’s journey to the final has been equally compelling. After a shaky start in the second round, he joked with his team about his poor play at 3 a.m., noting that humor helped him recover. The German veteran has benefited from the absence of top contenders Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, as well as a favorable draw, propelling him to his third consecutive major final.
He reflected on his progress: “I have improved a little bit, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the US Open final.” Zverev’s matches have been played predominantly under night lights, creating a rhythm of midnight finishes. In his semi‑final against Khachanov, a single break gave him the first set, and an early break in the second set set the tone for a routine victory. However, a double fault allowed Khachanov back on serve, leading to a tense tie‑break where Zverev trailed 5‑3 before clinching it after a grueling 35‑shot rally.
The third set mirrored the second, with Khachanov holding set points at 6‑4, only for Zverev to rescue the match with two errant forehands and an ace that produced a match point, which he converted on his first attempt. Looking ahead, Zverev expressed enthusiasm about playing the final 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, highlighting his appreciation for a supportive atmosphere. Commentary from tennis legend Martina Navratilova on Sky Sports praised Zverev’s year: “What a year Zverev has had at the majors.
It’s been outstanding stuff. Sure, Sinner fell 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. That confidence has helped him play better tennis.
He played better at Wimbledon than at Roland Garros, and even though he started badly here, he hasn’t lost a set in his last four matches.” The upcoming US Open final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Shelton’s explosive left‑handed power and youthful vigor against Zverev’s seasoned baseline consistency and mental toughness. Both players have navigated personal and professional challenges to reach this stage, and the match will likely be remembered not only for its athletic excellence but also for the broader narratives it represents – a tribute to resilience, national pride, and the enduring spirit of competition. Fans can watch the final live on Sky Sports beginning August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. The tournament also features other marquee events, including the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast by Sky Sports.