Shelton advances to US Open semifinals, outlasting Tiafoe

Unseeded Ben Shelton upsets No. 10 seed Frances Tiafoe to become the youngest man in 31 years to reach the US Open semifinals.

In a thrilling and unforgettable match on a hot and humid Tuesday night, Ben Shelton, an unseeded player, shocked the tennis world by defeating No. 10 seed Frances Tiafoe at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. The atmosphere was electric as the packed crowd witnessed Shelton's remarkable victory, with the final scoreline reading 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2. This win propelled Shelton into the semifinals of the prestigious US Open, making him the youngest American male player to achieve this feat since Michael Chang in 1992.

The significance of this match extended beyond Shelton's historic accomplishment. It was the first US Open quarterfinal between two Black men in the Open era, adding a powerful layer of symbolism to the occasion. The fact that this momentous match took place in a stadium named after Arthur Ashe, the legendary Black tennis player who triumphed at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, only added to its significance.

Prior to the match, Tiafoe acknowledged the significance of this milestone, recognizing the historical importance of two people of color competing in the quarterfinals. It was indeed a monumental moment, highlighting the progress and diversity within the sport of tennis.

Tiafoe, the higher-ranked player and the favorite going into the match, had been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, dropping only one set before facing Shelton. However, Shelton's rise in the tennis world has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a powerful serve and an impressive forehand, the 20-year-old has climbed from outside the Top 100 rankings last year to becoming the world's No. 47 player. His skill and determination were on full display as he outplayed Tiafoe in their quarterfinal encounter.

Both players showcased their immense talent, engaging in a fierce battle that captivated the crowd. Shelton, hailing from Atlanta, and Tiafoe, representing Hyattsville, Maryland, left no stone unturned as they unleashed powerful serves and blistering returns. The match reached its tipping point in the third-set tiebreaker, where Shelton's remarkable return saved a set point, followed by two missed shots from Tiafoe. This pivotal moment allowed Shelton to secure the set, preventing Tiafoe from taking a two-sets-to-one lead. Shelton carried this momentum into the fourth set, breaking Tiafoe early on and ultimately clinching the victory.

In an emotional post-match interview on the court, Shelton expressed his gratitude to the crowd for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the intensity of the battle and appreciated the incredible atmosphere that fueled his performance. Shelton's triumph not only propelled him into the top 20 of the men's world singles ranking but also set the stage for a thrilling semifinal clash against the formidable No. 2 seed, Novak Djokovic, this Friday. Djokovic, with a record-breaking 47th Grand Slam semifinal appearance and 23 Grand Slam titles to his name, presents a formidable challenge for Shelton.

Earlier in the day, another young talent made waves at the US Open. Coco Gauff, a 19-year-old rising star, dominated her quarterfinal match against Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion. Gauff's impressive performance resulted in a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory, propelling her into her first US Open semifinal. Gauff's journey continues as she prepares to face the No. 10 seed, Karolína Muchová, in what promises to be an enthralling matchup.

As the US Open reaches its climax, the tournament has witnessed remarkable achievements, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of young talents. The stage is set for thrilling semifinal clashes that will undoubtedly captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.