Ben Shelton defeats Frances Tiafoe in US Open semi-final

In the 2026 US Open men's semi-final, Ben Shelton triumphed over Frances Tiafoe in a gripping match that ended 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. Shelton's victory enabled him to secure a place in his first major final. The match unfolded as Tiafoe initially earned the advantage by winning the first set. However, Shelton rallied back, taking control by winning the second and third sets.

As the fourth set progressed, Tiafoe fought hard to maintain his stance but eventually faltered. In a critical moment, Shelton broke Tiafoe in the 12th game, sealing the match with a double-fault from Tiafoe. After the match, Shelton expressed his emotions, dedicating his win to his late grandmother, acknowledging the sacrifices his family made for his tennis career. He remarked on how playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium was particularly special, stating, "This is both our favorite tournament in the world, our favorite court in the world, and to be able to light it up in front of you guys is the best feeling that there is."

This victory marked a significant achievement not just for Shelton but also for representation in the sport, as he became the first Black man to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. Reflecting on the date, Shelton paid homage to the victims of 9/11, emphasizing the emotional weight of playing on such a significant day in New York. "Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved and affected," he said.

Shelton's journey through the tournament is a testament to his growth as a player, commenting on how he has matured since reaching his first US Open semi-final three years ago. With this milestone achievement, he now looks forward to the final, determined to give his best performance. "I’m gonna leave it all on the court. Let’s do this for the USA," he declared as he prepares for the championship match on Sunday afternoon.