Tiafoe proud of comeback season despite Shelton semi-final loss

Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton edged US tennis player Frances Tiafoe in a dramatic four-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, securing his place in the first Grand Slam final of his career. Shelton registered a remarkable 20 aces during the contest, ultimately prevailing 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. The victor will face Germany's Alexander Zverev, who had previously defeated 50th-ranked Russian Karen Khachanov in a grueling three-set showdown to advance to his third straight Grand Slam final.

Zverev, who captured his maiden major at the French Open and finished as runner-up at Wimbledon, expressed his desire to deny the American dream for Shelton on Sunday. The electrifying all-American semi-final match unfolded in front of a star-studded audience, including tennis legends like Serena Williams, Stan Smith, and Lindsey Davenport, alongside celebrities Ben Stiller, Rami Malek, and New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson.

Tiafoe took the opening set, but Shelton's uncharacteristic double-faults led to a 5-4 deficit. Nevertheless, the American's serve and consistent breaks enabled him to secure the set, breaking Tiafoe's serve in a marathon ninth game that featured a deuce seven times. The intense fourth set saw Shelton maintain his composure as Tiafoe pushed for a breakthrough.

Zverev's win over Khachanov marked a straight-set victory, though neither player managed to break the opponent's serve during the tiebreakers. Despite the somber atmosphere due to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Shelton honored the memory of his late mother, whose sacrifices brought him to this momentous occasion.