Reporter / 12 Sep 2026 / 0 Comments

American Shelton to face Zverev in US Open final

Sports

Ben Shelton powered his way into the US Open final with an impressive four-set win over Frances Tiafoe in an epic all-American semi-final.

Both players were bidding to reach their first Grand Slam final and put on a show for a raucous crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with eighth seed Shelton coming from a set down to win 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-5.

Neither American was overawed by the occasion and they lived up to their reputations as dazzling shot-makers but, after three hours and 17 minutes, it was Shelton who won through.

The 23-year-old will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's showpiece after the top seed beat unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6) to reach a third Grand Slam final in a row and continue his bid for a second major of the year.

"Frances is like a big brother to me, every time that we get to take to this court together and play each other is super special," said Shelton, who also paid tribute to his late grandmother and those affected by the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago in his on-court interview.

"This is both of our favourite tournament, our favourite court in the world and to be able to light it up in front of you guys [the crowd] is the best feeling there is."