Ben Shelton Eliminates Frances Tiafoe in Four-Set US Open Semifinal

Frances Tiafoe fell to fellow American Ben Shelton 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in the US Open semifinals on Friday night.

Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 on Friday night to advance to the US Open final. Playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Shelton recorded 20 aces to overcome his opponent in four sets. Although Tiafoe won the opening set, he was unable to secure his first career appearance in a Grand Slam final.

The defeat marks Tiafoe’s third semifinal exit at Flushing Meadows in the last five years, following similar deep runs in 2022 and 2024. The 28-year-old Washington, D.C.-area native reached the penultimate round this year by defeating Daniil Medvedev and overcoming a two-set deficit against Alex Michelsen in the quarterfinals. This performance followed a 2023 tournament where Tiafoe was eliminated in the round of 32 by Jan-Lennard Struff.

Shelton described the match against his fellow American as "super special," noting the significance of competing at the tail end of the tournament. Despite the loss, Tiafoe received a standing ovation from the crowd upon his departure from the court. He noted that while the last two weeks were successful, he remained focused on his inability to finish the tournament with a title.