Can Shelton’s serve end America’s 23-year men’s major drought?
The eighth-seeded Shelton hit 20 aces in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 semifinal victory, having already eliminated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.[1][3] Zverev reached Sunday’s final by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (8/6), giving the German his third consecutive Grand Slam final.[2]
Why it matters
Shelton can become the first American man since Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open to win a Grand Slam singles title, while Zverev is returning to the championship match six years after losing his first US Open final.[2][3]
Key insights
- Shelton’s 20 aces supplied the clearest tactical separator after Tiafoe won the opening set.[1][3]
- At 23, Shelton is playing his first major final; top-seeded Zverev is contesting his third straight major final.[2][3]
- Tiafoe has now reached three US Open semifinals in five years without advancing to the title match.[1]