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Ben Shelton Beats Tiafoe to Reach US Open Final

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 10:12 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Shelton Reaches Final

Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe to reach the US Open men’s final on September 11, 2026.
His semifinal win came in four sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
A win would make Shelton the first U.S. man to claim a major since Andy Roddick in 2003.
It would also make him the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.

Summary

Zverev Triumphs

Alexander Zverev reached the US Open final, extending his 13-set streak and holding a 5-0 record versus Shelton.
He launched the Alexander Zverev Foundation, which supplies insulin to underserved children worldwide.
After rupturing three ankle ligaments in June 2022 and undergoing reconstructive surgery, he won two Masters 1000 titles within six months.
Multiple assault allegations have prompted lawsuits, sponsor withdrawals, and some journalists refusing to cover his matches.

Summary

Collegiate Players Advance

Former college players reached every Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time since 1989.
Ben Shelton, the 2022 NCAA champion, became the highest-ranked ex-collegian since James Blake in 2006.
Former women’s collegiate athletes filled the US Open draw more than any Open-Era year, boosting female representation.
Shelton’s 2026 season produced titles on all four surfaces, joining an elite group of eight players.

History

Historical Context

When Arthur Ashe captured the US Open men’s title in 1968, he became the first Black American champion, breaking tennis’s racial barrier. Andy Roddick reached his sole US Open final in 2003, losing after a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 defeat in a dominant performance. Ben Shelton’s 2026 US Open surge mirrors Ashe’s 1968 breakthrough, as 2022 NCAA champion became U.S. man since Roddick to reach the final. This resurgence suggests men may reclaim Grand Slam dominance, echoing James Blake’s 2006 top-10 rise, while Alexander Zverev’s insulin foundation underscores tennis’s expanding social impact.

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Shelton Reaches Final

Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe to reach the US Open men’s final on September 11, 2026.
His semifinal win came in four sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
A win would make Shelton the first U.S. man to claim a major since Andy Roddick in 2003.
It would also make him the first Black American man to win the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1968.

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