Ben Shelton has told his father and coach, Bryan, that this was his moment—and the 23-year-old’s performance suggested he may be right.
Already a part of U.S. Open history, Shelton is now chasing even greater achievements.
In a landmark semifinal between friends and doubles partners, Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. They became the first two Black men to meet in a U.S. Open semifinal at Flushing Meadows.
Playing in a stadium named for Arthur Ashe, the only Black American man to have won a major singles title, Shelton became the first Black player to reach a U.S. Open final since Ashe in 1972. He also became the first to reach a major singles final since MaliVai Washington won Wimbledon in 1996.
