Ben Shelton Makes History! American Star Storms Past Tiafoe to Reach US Open Final
Ben Shelton is into his first Grand Slam final. The American produced a stunning comeback against Frances Tiafoe, recovering from a first-set loss to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 and reach the US Open 2026 championship match.
In an emotionally charged all-American semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Shelton showed remarkable composure after falling behind early. He then took control with his serve, defense and aggressive baseline play to win three consecutive sets.
Tiafoe Starts Fast, But Shelton Turns the Match Around
Tiafoe made the better start and took the opening set 6-4, putting Shelton under immediate pressure in front of an electric New York crowd.
But Shelton responded exactly when he needed to. The 23-year-old raised his level behind his serve and began controlling more of the important points from the baseline.
He won the second and third sets 6-3, 6-3 to move within one set of the biggest final of his career.
Shelton Holds His Nerve in the Fourth Set
The fourth set became a test of concentration as both Americans fought to keep their Grand Slam dreams alive. Shelton eventually found the decisive breakthrough late in the set and closed out the match 7-5.
His serve was one of the biggest weapons throughout the contest. Shelton finished with 18 aces, repeatedly using his power to escape difficult service games and keep Tiafoe under pressure.
Shelton Makes American Tennis History
The victory is much bigger than simply reaching a Grand Slam final.
Shelton becomes the first Black American male to reach the US Open men's singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. He is also the first Black American to reach a Grand Slam men's singles final since MaliVai Washington in 1996.
The achievement comes only three years after Shelton made his breakthrough at Flushing Meadows by reaching the semifinals in 2023. He has now gone one step further and will play for the biggest title of his career.
America's 23-Year Wait Could End With Shelton
Shelton's victory also gives American men's tennis another chance to end a long Grand Slam drought.
No American men has won a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003. Shelton is now one victory away from ending that 23-year wait on the same court where Roddick last lifted the trophy.
The challenge could hardly be bigger. Shelton will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final after the German defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
Shelton vs Zverev: The Final Is Set
The US Open men's final will feature a fascinating contrast. Shelton will be playing his first Grand Slam final, while Zverev already has major-final experience and won the French Open earlier this year.
Zverev also owns a strong head-to-head record against Shelton, having won all five of their previous meetings. However, they have never faced each other at a Grand Slam, and Shelton arrives in New York with the biggest opportunity of his career.
One thing is certain: the 2026 US Open will have a brand-new men's singles champion.