_updates.jpg)
Ben Shelton is eyeing to break a 23-year drought for American men in majors, as he reaches his first Grand Slam final on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Shelton defeated fellow American Frances Tiafoe, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5, and made his way into the final.
Ben Shelton aims to make history
He is one step away from becoming the first American men's player since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Grand Slam title and the first Black American man to reach a US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
American Ben Shelton up against German player in the final
Shelton will face No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in June, on Sunday.
Ahead of the match, Zverec noted, "Everybody loves Frances and Ben. Tonight is gonna be an epic semifinal. Hopefully I can NOT make the American dream come true on Sunday."
Who was watching the exciting Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe clash?
Serena Williams, winner of 23 major titles and six US Opens, and Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges were among those to watch the first major semifinal featuring two Black American men.
"I keep looking up at the screen, like oh shoot, Jalen Brunson's here," Shelton said on court.
Sunday's winner will take home $5.5 million, and the runner-up $2.8 million.
Ben Shelton dedicate the win to his late grandmother
Following the impressive game, Ben Shelton dedicated the win to his grandmother, who passed away earlier this year.
"My dad lost his mom earlier this year, and she's the reason that he was able to play tennis. Without her, you know, there's no Ben Shelton standing here today. So, this one's for her," said the 23-year-old, earning applause.
The German is playing in his third straight Grand Slam final after winning his first major at Roland Garros and losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final.
Notably, Friday's match was Tiafoe's third US Open semifinal (2022 and 2024), and he is still trying to reach his first Grand Slam final.
