Shelton reaches US Open final for Zverev showdown

Ben Shelton has reached his first Grand Slam final after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in four sets at the US Open, putting himself one victory away from ending a 23-year wait for an American men's singles champion.

The eighth-seeded Shelton overcame Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in an absorbing semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday to set up a championship clash with top seed Alexander Zverev.

Zverev had earlier secured his place in the final by defeating unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (8-6).

The victory sends Zverev into his second US Open final after finishing runner-up to Dominic Thiem in 2020. The German is also seeking a second Grand Slam title after winning the French Open earlier this year.

For Shelton, the opportunity is even more significant.

The 23-year-old has already produced one of the tournament's biggest results by defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. He is now one win away from becoming the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to capture a Grand Slam singles title.

Shelton's progress has also carried historic significance. His victory means he is the first Black American man to reach the US Open men's singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. He is also the first to reach a Grand Slam men's singles final since MaliVai Washington was runner-up at Wimbledon in 1996.

"I'm going for it," Shelton said after his semifinal victory.

"I'm going to leave it all on the court. I hope you guys come and back me; let's do this for the US."

The victory carried a deeply personal meaning for Shelton, who paid tribute to his family and particularly his grandmother, who died earlier this year.

"My dad, my mum have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today," Shelton said.

"My dad lost his mom earlier this year, and she's the reason he was able to play tennis.

"Without her, there's no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her."

Tiafoe makes strong start

The semifinal began on an emotional evening in New York, with the city marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Tiafoe made the stronger start, taking advantage of a double fault from Shelton to move ahead 5-4 before holding serve to claim the opening set.

Shelton acknowledged the significance of the occasion and the difficulty of playing on such a solemn day.

"It's a difficult day to be out here playing," he said.

"My thoughts and prayers are going out to all the families who are impacted by 9/11. This is one of the greatest cities in the world and one of the biggest tragedies."

Tiafoe continued to test Shelton's backhand during the second set, but Shelton gradually increased the intensity of his play.

The left-hander levelled the match before breaking Tiafoe in the fifth game of the third set to establish control.

His powerful serve and increasingly effective defence then put Tiafoe under sustained pressure during the fourth set.

Shelton eventually earned his opportunity to serve for the match before Tiafoe's double fault brought the contest to an end.

The two Americans shared an emotional moment afterwards, with Shelton describing Tiafoe as being like an older brother.

"Every time we get to take this court together, Arthur Ashe Stadium, and play each other is super special," Shelton said.

"But this is where we want to be at the tail end. This is our favourite tournament, our favourite court in the world.

"To be able to light it up in front of you guys is the best feeling there is."

Zverev awaits

Shelton will now face a formidable opponent in Zverev, who has reached his second US Open final after overcoming Khachanov in three tight sets.

The German was forced into five-set battles during each of his opening two rounds but has since found another level, winning four consecutive matches without dropping a set.

Zverev's run has taken him to his third consecutive Grand Slam final, and he will enter Sunday's championship match with the experience of having already won a major title this season.

Shelton, however, will carry the hopes of American tennis into the final and will have the opportunity to create history in front of a home crowd.

A victory would give the United States its first men's Grand Slam singles champion since Roddick won the US Open in 2003.

Earlier on Friday, Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend completed a career Grand Slam as a doubles team after defeating American wildcards Ashlyn Krueger and Robin Montgomery 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 in the women's doubles final.