US Open 2026 results: Ben Shelton beats Frances Tiafoe to set up final against Alexander Zverev

Ben Shelton will appear in his first Grand Slam singles final on Sunday

Ben Shelton powered his way into the US Open final with an impressive four-set win over Frances Tiafoe in an epic all-American semi-final.

Neither American was overawed by the occasion and they lived up to their reputations as dazzling shot-makers but, after three hours and 17 minutes, it was Shelton who won through.

Shelton becomes the first black American male player to reach the US Open singles final since Arthur Ashe in 1972, and the first black male player to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was beaten in the 2008 Australian Open final.

Asked about the weight of history on his shoulders before Sunday's showpiece, Shelton said: "It's a lot of emotion. My mum and dad sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today.

"Without her there's no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her."

"Frances is like a big brother to me, every time that we get to take to this court together and play each other is super special," said Shelton, who also paid tribute to those affected by the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago in his on-court interview.

After losing his previous two major semi-finals, Shelton can now look forward to his maiden final and will aim to end a 23-year wait for an American winner in the men's singles of a Grand Slam.

To end the drought and emulate Roddick will require another first of Shelton as he has lost all five previous meetings with Zverev, but with the confidence gained from this run and the backing of a partisan crowd, there is a chance to make history.

"I'm going to leave it all on the court and I hope you guys come and back me. Let's do this for the USA."

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