Winning a historic battle, Ben Shelton becomes the 'chosen one' to break the 23-year curse of American tennis

(US Open 2026 Result) - Ben Shelton came from behind to defeat Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 to reach his first Grand Slam final. The 23-year-old becomes the last hope to help American men's tennis end a 23-year drought at major tournaments.

Shelton stages a comeback in historic semifinal

All-American semifinal on Arthur Ashe Stadium The start was not favorable for Ben Shelton. The eighth seed played shakily in the first set, managing only seven winners while committing 14 unforced errors.

Frances Tiafoe actively exploited his opponent's backhand and created a turning point at 4-4. Shelton made three consecutive errors then double-faulted on break point, allowing Tiafoe to take the lead and win the opening set 6-4.

Shelton began to increase the pace in the second set. The 23-year-old's serves became more powerful, while his forehand and backhand gradually regained accuracy. He consistently put pressure on Tiafoe's service games before winning 6-3 to level the match.

The momentum continued to favor Shelton in the third set. His defensive skills, power in baseline rallies, and aggressive returns kept Tiafoe constantly moving. Shelton broke in the fifth game and added another break to close the set 6-3.

Tiafoe did not give up easily in the fourth set. The 28-year-old saved several break points and maintained the balance until the end of the set. However, while serving at 5-6, he could not withstand the increasing pressure from his opponent.

Two powerful backhands brought Shelton close to victory before a forehand error from Tiafoe gave him three match points. On the second opportunity, Tiafoe double-faulted, officially ending the match at 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.

Shelton did not celebrate wildly like in his early years at the US Open. He simply turned toward his coaching team, nodded, and then went to hug Tiafoe for a long time at the net.

“Tiafoe is like a big brother to me. Every time we play together on Arthur Ashe is special. This is the tournament and court we both love the most,” Shelton shared.

The last hope of American tennis

The victory sends Shelton to his first Grand Slam final in his career. Previously, the Florida-born player had stopped in the semifinals twice, once to Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open and again to Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open.

In New York this year, Shelton overcame a major hurdle by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in five sets in the quarterfinals. The match ended at 3:33 AM, leaving the American player with little time to recover before facing Tiafoe.

Despite a slow start, Shelton found a way to turn the situation around. This adaptability shows he no longer relies solely on his powerful serves and strong forehand as in the early stages of his career.

Shelton is now just one win away from the US Open title. If crowned, the 23-year-old will become the first American to win a men's singles Grand Slam since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy in New York in 2003.

The 23-year wait is hard to imagine for a tennis nation that once produced dominant generations like Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and Roddick. American men's tennis in recent years has had many players in the top ranks, but no one has overcome the final hurdle at a Grand Slam.

After Tiafoe's exit, Shelton became the last representative carrying the hope to end that drought. He called on the home crowd to continue creating a passionate atmosphere in the final.

“I will give my all and fight until the last point. Come to Arthur Ashe, fuel my fire, and together let's make something special for America,” Shelton declared.

The big challenge named Zverev

Shelton's final opponent is top seed Alexander Zverev. The Roland Garros champion defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6(7), 7-6(6) in the earlier semifinal to reach the US Open final for the second time.

Zverev is in steady form, winning four consecutive matches without dropping a set. The German also has an overwhelming record against left-handed opponents, with 44 wins in his last 45 matches.

Head-to-head history also favors Zverev completely. Shelton has not beaten the German in five meetings and will have to seek his first win in the most important match of his career.

However, the home representative affirmed he is ready to embrace the pressure and nerves of his first Grand Slam final.

“The tension is always there and I have to learn to deal with it. I will face the top seed, a Grand Slam champion, while I am looking for my first title. I want to fight to the limit and see what I can do,” Shelton said.

A year ago, Shelton was eliminated in the first round of Wimbledon by world No. 141 Otto Virtanen. That defeat motivated him to return to Florida, improve his fitness foundation, and add new options to his game.

Those weeks of grueling training have now brought Shelton to the biggest match of his career. Ahead is an opponent he has never beaten, but behind the 23-year-old will be the entire Arthur Ashe Stadium and the hope pent up for 23 years of American men's tennis.