Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal at the US Open on September 11, 2026, advancing to his first final at the tournament. The match took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
Shelton, currently ranked 9th in the world, overcame the 12th-ranked Tiafoe to secure his spot in the championship match. The 24-year-old left-hander has been in strong form throughout the tournament, building on his career-high ranking of 5th achieved earlier in his career.
The victory continues Shelton's impressive run at Flushing Meadows, where he has established himself as one of the rising stars in American tennis. The Florida native turned professional in 2022 and has quickly made his mark on the ATP tour with his powerful serve and aggressive playing style.
Tiafoe, 28, was seeking to reach his second US Open final but fell short against his younger compatriot. The Maryland native, who stands 6'2" compared to Shelton's 6'4" frame, has had previous success at the tournament but couldn't find a way past Shelton's game on this occasion.
The head-to-head record between the two Americans has been competitive in recent years. Their previous encounters include matches at the 2024 US Open, where Tiafoe won in a five-set thriller, and at ATP tournaments in Houston and Washington D.C., with the series split between the two players.
Shelton's path to the final represents a significant achievement for the young American, who has been steadily climbing the rankings since turning professional four years ago. His left-handed serve and court coverage have become key weapons in his arsenal as he continues to develop his game at the highest level.
The semifinal victory sets up what promises to be an exciting final for Shelton, as he looks to capture his first Grand Slam title on home soil. The American will be looking to join the ranks of US Open champions and continue the strong tradition of American men's tennis at the tournament.
With his advancement to the final, Shelton has achieved a new career milestone and will be eager to take the next step in what has already been a breakthrough tournament for the young American.
