Shelton to face Zverev in US Open final

The update

Ben Shelton reached his first Grand Slam final by defeating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in a four-set semifinal. Shelton won 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to secure a title match against top seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday. Shelton said he was playing for the United States, telling the crowd, “I’m going for it here, and I’m going to leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come and back me. Let’s do it for the USA.”

Why it matters

This is the first time an American man has reached a US Open final since 2024. Shelton is also the first Black American man to reach a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. A victory would end the United States’ 23-year drought for a men’s Grand Slam singles champion, a span that began with Andy Roddick’s 2003 win at Flushing Meadows.

What to watch

Shelton will face Zverev, who won his semifinal against Karen Khachanov. Zverev has a 5-0 career record against Shelton, though this will be their first meeting in a major. The match is set for Sunday in New York.

Sources

• espn.com — Match score, Shelton's quotes, historical context on American drought and Black American milestones.
• skysports.com — Match score, Shelton's quotes, context on 9/11 commemorations during the match.
• BBC — Match score, Zverev's semifinal result and record against Shelton.