Ben Shelton advanced to his first Grand Slam final at the 2023 U.S. Open after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in a historic semifinal match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday. The 23-year-old No. 8 seed overcame Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 7-5, marking the first time two Black men met in the U.S. Open semifinals and only the second all-American men’s semifinal in the past 20 years.
Shelton, the highest-ranked American male player and the youngest U.S. Open semifinalist in over three decades, is now set to face top seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final. A victory would make Shelton the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick’s 2003 U.S. Open title and the first Black American man to claim the championship since Arthur Ashe in 1968. Ashe, a trailblazer in the sport, is the namesake of the stadium where this milestone unfolded.
The match featured contrasting styles and a high level of emotional intensity. Tiafoe, 28, who has previously reached the U.S. Open semifinals twice and is known for his resilience and comeback ability, started strong by taking the first set. He was optimistic about his future, expressing a continued desire to capture a Grand Slam title. Shelton responded with powerful serving and aggressive play, including 20 aces and 149 mph serves, ultimately seizing control late in the fourth set.
Shelton credited his composure and confidence as key factors in the victory, reflecting a maturation in his game that goes beyond his natural talents. His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, highlighted the improvements in conditioning, mental focus, and endurance that have helped his son persevere through demanding matches, including a historic late-night win over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament.
The semifinal extended into a tense finish, with Shelton breaking Tiafoe’s serve to clinch the match. Both players, who are close friends and doubles partners, embraced at the net, acknowledging the significance of their breakthrough on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Looking ahead to the final, Shelton faces the challenge of an 0-5 career record against Zverev, a big-serving left-hander. Despite this, Shelton’s increased maturity and disciplined approach position him as a formidable contender aiming to end a nearly two-decade American men’s title drought in major tournaments.
Shelton dedicated his victory to his late grandmother, Regina, who passed away earlier this year and who he credits as a foundational influence in his life and career. In a message to the home crowd, Shelton emphasized his commitment and called for their support as he pursues the championship.
Sunday’s final promises to be a compelling matchup between Shelton’s rising American talent and Zverev’s established international presence, offering a moment of potential historic significance for American men’s tennis.