US Open tennis 2026 men’s semi-final: Frances Tiafoe v Ben Shelton – live buildup

Ben Shelton makes emotional US Open request after beating Frances Tiafoe to reach final

Ben Shelton issued a passionate request to American tennis fans after reaching his first Grand Slam final with a dramatic victory over Frances Tiafoe at the US Open. The 23-year-old recovered from a set down to defeat his close friend and compatriot 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 beneath the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton will now face top seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final as he attempts to become the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick triumphed in New York in 2003. After completing the biggest victory of his career, Shelton urged the home crowd to create a hostile atmosphere and help him overcome an opponent he has never previously beaten. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “I’m going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy,” Shelton declared. “I’m going for it, I’m leaving it all on court, let’s do it for the USA!” His patriotic rallying cry followed an emotional tribute to his family, including his grandmother, who died earlier this year. “It’s a lot of emotion,” Shelton said. “My dad and my mom have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today. My dad lost his mom earlier this year and she was the reason he was able to play tennis. “Without her there is no Ben Shelton standing here today, so this one is for her.” Shelton’s request may prove crucial given his daunting record against Zverev. The German has won each of their five previous meetings, including four victories in straight sets. LATEST SPORTS NEWS: Aston Villa unhappy with new Premier League rules as referees face mounting pressure Former Sky Sports reporter claims broadcaster ‘didn’t really rate me’ and says football career is over Rory McIlroy makes two complaints after struggling at Irish Open Zverev has also won 44 of his last 45 matches against left-handed opponents, although Sunday will mark the first time the pair have faced each other at a Grand Slam. Shelton was forced to control his emotions during a tense semi-final, becoming furio

US Open tennis 2026 men’s semi-final: Frances Tiafoe v Ben Shelton – live buildup

Updates from the second men’s semi-final in New York Zverev takes out Khachanov in straight sets to make final Andrew Lawrence: in praise of five-set tennis | Mail Bryan Shelton is attempting to become the youngest American man to reach a US Open final since Andy Roddick won the title here at 21 in 2003. The 23-year-old has been remarkably efficient when reaching the business end of tournaments this season: he has made four previous semi-finals – Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal – and won the title every time. Those trophies also made him the first American man since Sam Querrey in 2010 to win tour titles on hard, clay and grass in the same season. Tonight he will go for five finals from five semi-final appearances. If tonight’s match turns into another war of attrition, both men appeared seasoned for the task. Tiafoe has already spent 16hr 3min on court across five matches, the fourth-longest journey to a US Open semi-final since the ATP began tracking match times in 1991. Shelton is only slightly fresher at 15hr 41min. Tiafoe has played 19 sets and Shelton 20, with both coming through five-set quarter-finals. The difference is down to literal mileage: Shelton has covered 44,143ft during the tournament to Tiafoe’s 39,472ft. Continue reading...