Ben Shelton Reaches First Grand Slam Final, Sets Up US Open Clash With Zverev
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
American tennis star Ben Shelton has reached his first Grand Slam final after defeating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in four sets in the US Open semi-final.
The eighth-seeded Shelton recovered from losing the opening set to beat Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.
Shelton delivered an impressive serving performance, firing 20 aces during the contest to secure his place in Sunday’s championship match.
Shelton Advances After Alcaraz Victory
Shelton entered the semi-final with significant momentum after eliminating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.
His run has now given him an opportunity to become the first American man in more than two decades to win a Grand Slam singles title.
The last American male player to achieve the feat was Andy Roddick, who won the US Open in 2003.
Shelton said reaching the final was an emotional moment for him and paid tribute to his family for their support throughout his tennis career.
Zverev Sets Up Final Against Shelton
Alexander Zverev also secured his place in the US Open final by defeating Russia’s Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
The top-seeded German recorded a 6-3, 7-6(9/7), 7-6(8/6) victory in a closely contested semi-final.
Khachanov pushed Zverev hard in the second and third sets, but the German managed to win both tiebreaks and complete the victory.
Zverev has now reached his third consecutive Grand Slam final, adding another major final appearance to a strong recent run that includes his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon.
Zverev Looking to Stop American Charge
The final will give Shelton a chance to claim his first Grand Slam title, while Zverev will aim to add another major trophy to his career.
Zverev acknowledged the significance of playing an American opponent in New York and joked that he would try to prevent Shelton from completing the American dream.
The championship match is scheduled for Sunday, with both players entering the contest after impressive semi-final victories.
9/11 Anniversary Marked at US Open
Friday’s matches also took place on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.
Tributes were held during the national anthem ceremonies before the day and night sessions.
Shelton acknowledged the significance of the occasion and expressed his thoughts and prayers for the families affected by the attacks.
Women’s Final Set for Saturday
The women’s singles final will take place on Saturday.
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who is seeking a third consecutive US Open title.
Rybakina’s run to the semi-finals also ended Sabalenka’s long spell as the world No. 1, adding further significance to the upcoming final.
