{
  "id": 6882499,
  "title": "Fact check: Did Ben Shelton actually break Grand Slam record with 158 mph serve?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/fact-check-did-ben-shelton-actually-break-grand-slam-record-with-158",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T07:02:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fact-check-did-ben-shelton-070217370.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ben Shelton's impressive serve during his US Open semi-final match against Frances Tiafoe drew widespread attention due to its alleged record-breaking speed. However, it appears that the 158 mph claim was inaccurate. After the match, the US Open's official account corrected the record, stating that Shelton's serve clocked in at 144 mph, not 158 mph as initially reported. While Tiafoe struggled to return Shelton's powerful ace, the erroneous speed reading led many fans and spectators to believe that Shelton had finally broken a Grand Slam record. Shelton's 23rd birthday came with an impressive milestone in his career, as he defeated Tiafoe to reach the Grand Slam semi-finals for the first time. The upcoming US Open final against Alexander Zverev promises to be an exciting matchup, with Shelton's powerful serve playing a crucial role in his performance.",
  "summary": "One of Ben Shelton’s humungous serves went viral during his US Open clash with Frances Tiafoe for breaking the all-time record. Here’s a look at what actually happened.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ben Shelton's serve initially reported at 158 mph was inaccurate.",
    "US Open corrected the record, stating Shelton's serve was 144 mph.",
    "Shelton's powerful serve helped him reach Grand Slam semi-finals."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}