Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev have booked a blockbuster US Open final after contrasting semi-final victories at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Eighth seed Shelton defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and 17 minutes to reach his first Grand Slam final.
The 23-year-old fired 47 winners, including 20 aces, and produced his best tennis in the crucial stages. Shelton now has the opportunity to end a 22-year wait for an American men’s Grand Slam singles champion, with Andy Roddick the last to achieve the feat in 2003.
Top seed Zverev overcame Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in a tense contest featuring two dramatic tie-breaks. The 29-year-old German reached his second US Open final and sixth Grand Slam final, having already won the French Open and reached the Wimbledon final this season.
Sunday’s showdown promises a clash between Shelton’s breakthrough bid and Zverev’s experience.