Ben Shelton beats Frances Tiafoe to set up US Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic
Ben Shelton dispatched American compatriot Frances Tiafoe 6-2 3-6 7-6 (7) 6-2 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night to progress to the US Open semi-finals.
Ben Shelton.Shelton made his intentions of victory clear in the opening set as he dominated Tiafoe with his forehand stroke and went on to claim five straight games to win the set.
The 25-year-old Tiafoe then managed to push his way back into the match and managed to level the scores at a set apiece, as Shelton's big shots started to miss their intended targets.
The third set saw both men tussle for dominance, with momentum shifting constantly throughout the first eight games and the long tie-break that culminated in a 9-7 win for Shelton via a backhand winner to claim the third set.
Shelton then overpowered the tenth seed in the fourth set, holding serve at another break with the score at 5-2 to win the match.
"Feeling like I left it all out here tonight," said the 20-year-old following his victory.
"Emotional battle and thanks all you guys for staying so late. Hell of an atmosphere. Thanks for pushing me over the line."
The 47th-ranked Shelton became the youngest American to reach the US Open semi-final since Michael Chang in 1992, in a contest that was also the first in 15 years featuring two Black American men clashing on the largest tennis venue in the world.
No American has won the US Open in the past 20 years and to do so, Shelton will need to overcome the formidable Novak Djokovic.
"He (Djokovic) has won 23 of these (Grand Slams), it doesn't get much better than that," said Shelton.
"It's been tough the last two matches, I've been playing Americans but hopefully you guys bring it for me two nights in a row."
Shelton will meet the Serbian at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, with time yet to be confirmed.
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