Ben Shelton roars past Tiafoe, sets up US Open final clash vs Zverev

US Open: Ben Shelton has reached his first Grand Slam final after beating Frances Tiafoe in four sets at the US Open. The American will now face Alexander Zverev in New York with his first major title within reach.

In Short

• Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5
• Shelton levelled quickly, finding greater control from the baseline in set two
• A huge Shelton serve was revised from 158 mph to 144

Ben Shelton has finally broken through at the US Open, reaching his first Grand Slam final after beating fellow American Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The eighth seed recovered from a slow start to produce a composed performance and book a showdown with world No.1 Alexander Zverev.

The all-American semifinal had plenty of familiarity, but Tiafoe made the stronger start and took the opening set after finding the decisive break at 4-4. Shelton responded by steadily taking control, with his serve becoming increasingly difficult for Tiafoe to handle as the match moved into its decisive stages.

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Shelton's power was matched by his patience throughout the contest. The 23-year-old repeatedly used his serve to escape difficult situations and put Tiafoe on the back foot, while also finding ways to stay composed when the rallies became more demanding.

The victory marks another major step in Shelton's rapid rise. He had previously reached the US Open semi-finals in 2023, but has now gone one better in New York and will play his first Grand Slam final against Zverev.

TIAFOE STRIKES FIRST, SHELTON RESPONDS

The opening set remained closely contested, with neither player able to establish an early advantage. That changed at 4-4 when Tiafoe finally managed to put sustained pressure on Shelton's serve.

Shelton appeared in control at 30-0, but Tiafoe responded with a powerful forehand winner before a sequence of errors from his compatriot, including a double fault, handed over the break. Tiafoe then comfortably served out the set to move ahead 6-4.

Shelton immediately changed the momentum in the second. He broke Tiafoe to love and, despite being broken straight back, continued to look increasingly comfortable from the baseline. At 3-3, another aggressive game from Shelton produced a break point, and Tiafoe eventually sent a forehand wide to fall behind.

Shelton did not let the opportunity slip, closing out the set 6-3 and drawing level.

SHELTON'S SERVE TAKES CENTRE STAGE

The third set belonged to Shelton. He found another break early after forcing Tiafoe into errors and continued to dictate with his first serve, repeatedly denying his opponent opportunities to build pressure.

Shelton then appeared to produce one of the biggest serves of the tournament. The delivery was initially clocked at 158 mph, but after review it was adjusted to 144 mph. Still, it was a seriously quick serve and another reminder of the power that Shelton brings to the court.

Tiafoe refused to surrender the set, dragging Shelton into an extraordinary final game that featured seven deuces and three set points. Shelton stayed composed through the marathon exchange, eventually holding after around 15 minutes to take the set 6-3.

The fourth set followed a different pattern, with both players holding serve as the pressure intensified. Tiafoe rediscovered his forehand and first serve, while Shelton continued to rely on his biggest weapon whenever he found himself in trouble.

At 5-5, Tiafoe produced a sharp volley to stay alive, but Shelton answered by holding for 6-5. The breakthrough finally arrived when Tiafoe double-faulted, handing Shelton the match and a place in his first Grand Slam final.

Shelton will now meet Zverev, who defeated Karen Khachanov in the other semi-final. The German has won all five of their previous meetings, giving Shelton another significant challenge as he bids to become the first American man since 2003 to win the US Open men's singles title.

- Ends