In the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament men’s singles final, America’s Ben Shelton will face Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Shelton has qualified for his first Grand Slam final.
The year’s final Grand Slam, the US Open, is being held in New York. The men’s singles semifinals were played there.
American player Ben Shelton faced France’s Frances Tiafoe. Shelton defeated Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. In the match, which lasted nearly three hours, the 23-year-old Shelton from Atlanta fought hard in the first set but lost it to Tiafoe.
In the first set, both players traded points. Using a break-point opportunity, Tiafo took a 5-4 lead after Shelton committed a double fault. Tiafo then went on to claim the set 6-4.
Shelton dominance: From the second set onward, Shelton regained his composure and dominated play, breaking Tiafo’s serve to go up 2-0. Although Tiafo fought back, Shelton pulled ahead 5-3 and sealed it 6-3.
The third set was filled with rallies. Tiafo hit 31 shots. With a 28-shot rally, the game became thrilling. Shelton kept fighting and took the lead. He also claimed that set 6-3.
But the fourth set was a tough challenge. Tiafoe played brilliantly from the very start. However, he failed to capitalize on two break-point opportunities in the opening game. Shelton, who continued to play well, took a 6-5 lead. He earned three match points. Tiafoe’s double fault worked in Shelton’s favor. In the end, Shelton clinched it 7-5.
Zverev in the final round:
In the other semifinal, Germany’s Zverev faced Russia’s Karen Khachanov. Zverev defeated Khachanov, the world No. 50, in straight sets 6-3, 7-6, 7-6. Zverev had lost to Dominic Thiem in the US Open final in 2020. Reaching a Grand Slam final for the third time, Zverev had won his first title at the French Open last year.
In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Zverev had defeated Khachanov to win the gold medal. Zverev dominated the first game and took it 6-3. In the second set, although Zverev was in control, Khachanov leveled it at 2-2. Even though Khachanov drew level at 7-7 in the second set, Zverev clinched the set with a set point.
The third set went to a tiebreak due to the excellent play from both players. After Zverev saved two set points, he finally sealed the set with an ace. The match lasted 2 hours and 58 minutes.
Regarding this, Zverev said: I have been playing well right from the start of this tournament. It feels great to have qualified for the final. Six years ago, I qualified for the final for the first time. At that time, I did not have enough experience. In tennis, anything can change suddenly. Everything is positive for me. I am ready for the final on Sunday.
Shelton said: My father and mother have made many sacrifices for my tennis career. I started playing tennis because of my grandmother. Defeating my close friend Tiafoe in the semifinals was special. I will fight to end America's 23-year wait, he said.
Zverev has already won 5 matches between Shelton and Zverev. However, with the support of the home crowd and his consistently excellent play, Shelton will pose a challenge.
The last time an American won the title was in 2003, when Andy Roddick claimed it. Since then, no American player has won the US Open title for 23 years. American fans are hoping Shelton will end that drought.