Shelton’s progression marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first Black American man to reach a
A Shift in Momentum
The match began with Tiafoe dictating play, committing only three unforced errors in the opening set to take the lead. However, the dynamic shifted as Shelton began to dominate with his serve. The Georgia native finished the contest with 20 aces, frequently clocking speeds exceeding 140 mph. A crucial turning point arrived in the second set when Shelton’s aggressive serving, including consecutive aces, allowed him to seize control of the match.
The third set proved to be the most physically demanding, culminating in a 15-minute, 20-point game that ultimately went in Shelton’s favor when Tiafoe sent a forehand into the net. Despite the intense atmosphere and a star-studded crowd, Shelton maintained his composure to close out the match in four sets. For Tiafoe, the defeat marks his third exit at the semifinal stage of the US Open, continuing a difficult run for the 26-year-old at his home major.
The Final Hurdle
Standing between Shelton and the championship is Alexander Zverev, who reached the final after a straight-sets victory over Karen Khachanov. While Zverev holds a 5-0 career record against the American, Sunday’s match will be their first encounter on the Grand Slam stage. Shelton, who won the 2022 NCAA singles title at Florida, is attempting to become the first former college player to win a major since John McEnroe in 1984.
The stakes are high for the host nation, which has not celebrated a men's major winner since Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph. Reflecting on the opportunity ahead, Shelton expressed his determination to capitalize on the home support. Should he prevail, it would mark only the second time in two decades that the tennis world has seen multiple first-time major champions in a single calendar year.
