Can Shelton’s serve end America’s 23-year men’s major drought?
Ben Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe on Friday to reach his first Grand Slam final against Alexander Zverev.
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 Gran…
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]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Shelton converted a four-set victory over Tiafoe into his first Grand Slam final, while Zverev advanced in straight sets.[2][3] | Why now: Shelton’s 20-ace semifinal followed his quarterfinal elimination of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.[1][3] | Watch next: Sunday’s final will show whether Shelton ends the American men’s major-title drought or Zverev converts a third consecutive major final into the US Open championship.[2][3]
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]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Shelton converted a four-set victory over Tiafoe into his first Grand Slam final, while Zverev advanced in straight sets.[2][3] | Why now: Shelton’s 20-ace semifinal followed his quarterfinal elimination of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.[1][3] | Watch next: Sunday’s final will show whether Shelton ends the American men’s major-title drought or Zverev converts a third consecutive major final into the US Open championship.[2][3]