At the U.S. Open, Ben Shelton Has America Believing Again
The 23-year-old will face Alexander Zverev on Sunday after becoming the first Black American man to reach the U.S. Open final since 1972.
Ben Shelton secured a spot in the 2026 U.S. Open final, reigniting American optimism in men's tennis since Andy Roddick's victory in 2003. The unseeded Shelton, known for his powerful serves, will face top-ranked Alexander Zverev, a reigning French Open champion. Shelton, from Gainesville, Florida, has previously beat Zverev, who holds a 5-0 record against him.
While Zverev's record against Shelton is impressive, it's a stark contrast to the American men who reached U.S. Open finals before Roddick—Agassi and Roddick themselves. In the semifinals, Shelton bested rising star Frances Tiafoe in four sets, a win that marked him as the first Black American man to make it to a U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
Shelton's victory over Tiafoe showcased his resilience and mental toughness, as he converted crucial points and extended rallies to his advantage. With Zverev as his opponent, Shelton stands to not only make history but also deliver a thrilling final, a moment the American tennis community has longed for.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
