Rugby World Cup
Upgraded 12 September 2026 at 14:55 IST
Rugby World Cup Ben Shelton resisted to beat fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 and book his maiden Grand Slam last at the United States Open 2026.
<div><div><figure></figure> <figcaption>Ben Shelton gestures to the crowd after he won his match versus Frances Tiafoe|Image: AP</figcaption></div> <div><p><strong>United States Open 2026: </strong>Ben Shelton fought previous fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to reach his first Grand Slam last at the United States Open on Friday, keeping alive his hopes of ending a 23-year await an American males's songs promote at the hard-court significant.</p> </div> <div><p>The eighth-seeded Shelton recuperated after dropping the opening set to finish a three-hour, 17-minute success at Arthur Ashe Stadium and established a title clash with front runner Alexander Zverev on Sunday.</p> </div> <div><p>Zverev previously beat Karen Khachanov to reach his very first United States Open last considering that 2020, while Shelton will be bidding to end up being the very first American guy considering that Andy Roddick in 2003 to win the songs title at Flushing Meadows.</p> </div> <div><p>"I am going to need you guys on Sunday," Shelton stated to the crowd following his semi-final accomplishment, based on the ATP site. "I'm going for it here. I'm going to leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come back me. Let's do this for the USA."</p> </div> <div><p>Shelton, ranked No. 9 in the ATP rankings, got in the semifinal after a remarkable five-set triumph over safeguarding champ Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, with that match ending up at 3:33 a.m. regional time.</p> </div> <div><p>Versus Tiafoe, the 23-year-old at first had a hard time to enforce himself as the latter edged a firmly objected to opening set. Shelton dropped serve at 4-4 after a double fault before Tiafoe served out to like to take the lead.</p> </div> <div><p>The 8th seed reacted instantly in the 2nd set. After the set exchanged breaks early, Shelton raised his level at 4-3, drilling a backhand return winner to make a break point before transforming to move 5-3 ahead. He then levelled the match with a 132 miles per hour very first work as Tiafoe sent his return into the web.</p> </div> <div><p>Shelton continued to discover his variety in the 3rd set, winning the important exchanges as the match grew significantly physical. At 2-2, 30/0, he won a 28-ball rally to make 3 break points and transformed the very first to take a 3-2 lead.</p> </div> <div><p>He broke once again at 5-3 after a marathon 15-minute video game including 7 deuces, transforming his 4th set indicate move within one set of the last.</p> </div> <div><p>Tiafoe raised his level on serve in the 4th set and declined to provide Shelton an opening, however the 8th seed continued to use pressure. With the set locked at 5-5, Shelton lastly capitalised on a nervy service video game from his compatriot to make the definitive break.<br>He then held his nerve to serve out the match and finish the return.</p> </div> <div><p>Shelton completed with 47 winners, consisting of 20 aces, to reach the most significant last of his profession. He is now the 13th various American male in the Open Era to reach the United States Open last and the very first given that Taylor Fritz in 2024.</p> </div> <div><p>The success likewise enhanced Shelton's record versus Tiafoe to 4-1 in their ATP head-to-head conferences.</p> </div> <div><p>"Frances is like a big brother to me," Shelton stated, based on the ATP site. "Every time we take to this court together [Arthur Ashe Stadium], it is super special. This is where we want to be. At the tail end of the tournament. This is our favourite tournament and favourite court in the world. And to be able to light it up in front of you guys is the best feeling."</p> </div> <div><p>Shelton will deal with a powerful obstacle in Zverev, who leads their head-to-head record 5-0. The American will get in Sunday's last with 4 titles currently won this season in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal.</p> </div> <div><p>By reaching the champion match, Shelton has likewise end up being the youngest American United States Open males's finalist considering that Roddick, who was 21 when he reached the last in 2003.</p> </div> </div> </div> </section> </main> </div>
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