Ben Shelton Secures US Open Final Berth, Set to Face Zverev for First American Grand Slam Title Since 2003

Ben Shelton now has a chance to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since 2003.

Published On 12 Sep 202612 Sep 2026

Ben Shelton outlasted compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4‑6, 6‑3, 6‑3, 7‑5 in a pulsating US Open semifinal on Friday, earning a spot in the championship match against Alexander Zverev and moving closer to ending a 23‑year drought for an American men’s singles champion.

Zverev advanced to the final with a decisive 6‑3, 7‑6 (9/7), 7‑6 (8/6) victory over unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov earlier in the day, marking his second appearance in the New York final after a runner‑up finish in 2020.

Shelton, the eighth‑seeded 23‑year‑old who upset defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, stands one win away from becoming the first American man to lift a Grand Slam singles trophy since Andy Roddick captured the US Open title in 2003.

His semifinal victory also makes Shelton the first Black American man to reach the final at Flushing Meadows since Arthur Ashe in 1972 and the first to do so at any Grand Slam since MaliVai Washington’s Wimbledon run in 1996.

Zverev, the French Open champion, has not dropped a set in his last four matches, including five‑set wins in the opening rounds, and will now face Shelton in his third consecutive major final.

“I’m going for it,” Shelton said. “I’m going to give everything on the court. I hope the fans come out and support us; let’s do this for the United States.”

“It’s a very emotional moment for me. My parents have made many sacrifices to get me here today. My dad lost his mother earlier this year; she was the reason he took up tennis.

“Without her, there would be no Ben Shelton standing here today. This win is dedicated to her memory.”

Poignant Start to the Evening

The day began with ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Early in the match, Tiafoe led 5‑4 when Shelton double‑faulted, but Shelton regrouped to claim the opening set.

“It’s a difficult day to be out here playing,” Shelton added. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected by 9/11. This is one of the greatest cities in the world, and what happened was a tremendous tragedy. I’m thinking of everyone who was impacted.”

Tiafoe continued to target Shelton’s backhand in the second set, yet Shelton increased his intensity, eventually breaking in the fifth game of the third set to seize a decisive advantage. His powerful left‑handed serve and solid defense proved impenetrable in the fourth set, and Shelton sealed the victory after a double fault by Tiafoe.

“Frances, he’s like a big brother to me,” Shelton remarked. “Every time we step onto Arthur Ashe Stadium court together it’s special. This is where we want to be at the end of the tournament—this is our favorite event and our favorite court in the world.

“Playing in front of our fans and lighting up the stadium is the best feeling there is.”

Earlier, top seeds Katerina Siniaková and Taylor Townsend secured a joint career Grand Slam in women’s doubles, defeating American wildcards Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery 5‑7, 6‑0, 6‑2.

The action continues on Saturday with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus facing rising world No. 1 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the women’s singles final.

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