US Open 2026: Ben Shelton Beats Frances Tiafoe, Enters Maiden Grand Slam Final

Last Updated:September 12, 2026, 08:47 IST

Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to reach his first Grand Slam final at the US Open.

Ben Shelton had earlier beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters. (AP Photo)

Ben Shelton powered into the first Grand Slam final of his career on Friday, overcoming fellow American Frances Tiafoe in four sets in a high-octane US Open semifinal. The eighth-seeded Shelton produced 20 aces as he battled to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, setting up a championship clash on Sunday with Germany’s top seed, Alexander Zverev.

The all-American encounter marked the first Grand Slam semi-final for both players, with Shelton entering the match full of confidence after eliminating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

Victory also puts the 23-year-old within one win of becoming the first American man to capture a Grand Slam singles title since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.

Tiafoe made the stronger start, breaking Shelton in the opening set after his compatriot surrendered serve with an uncharacteristic double fault at 5-4. The 11th seed then held at love to close out the set and move ahead.

Shelton responded immediately in the second, securing an early break to establish a 2-0 advantage. Tiafoe answered with a break of his own to restore parity, but his serve began to falter as the set progressed.

Shelton capitalised in the eighth game, breaking again to move 5-3 ahead before holding serve to draw level at one set apiece.

The eighth seed carried that momentum into the third set, although Tiafoe survived two break points in the early stages. Shelton then struck in the fifth game, breaking for a 3-2 lead.

Tiafoe fought desperately to stay in the set, saving three break and set points in the ninth game during a tense exchange. Shelton earned another opportunity after attacking Tiafoe’s second serve with a blistering backhand return down the line.

He converted when Tiafoe sent a forehand into the net, giving Shelton a 2-1 lead.

The fourth set remained on serve until the 12th game, when Shelton finally found the decisive opening. He broke Tiafoe to complete the comeback and book his place in Sunday’s final.

Shelton had one serve initially clocked at 158mph before it was later adjusted to 144mph.

With AFP Inputs

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Who will Ben Shelton play in the 2026 US Open men’s singles final?

Ben Shelton will face Germany’s top seed, Alexander Zverev, in the final on Sunday.

How did Ben Shelton reach his first Grand Slam final at the 2026 US Open?

Ben Shelton reached his maiden Grand Slam final by defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in a four-set semifinal with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. Prior to this, Shelton secured his spot in the semifinals by eliminating the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, in a grueling five-set quarterfinal match.

Who was the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title before Ben Shelton’s 2026 run?

The last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title was Andy Roddick, who won the US Open in 2003.

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Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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