New York — Ben Shelton, a 20-year-old rising star in professional tennis, showcased his impressive skills in a thrilling match at the US Open. Despite hitting 11 double faults, Shelton’s powerful serve and incredible return game propelled him to victory over Frances Tiafoe in a back-and-forth contest that captivated the crowd.
During a crucial tiebreaker, Shelton delivered an astonishing forehand return winner off Tiafoe’s 83 mph second serve, saving a set point and preventing his opponent from gaining a two-sets-to-one lead. Reflecting on the shot, Shelton humbly stated, “Sometimes, you’ve got to shut off the brain, close your eyes and just swing.” Tiafoe himself acknowledged the brilliance of the shot, calling it “unheard-of stuff.”
A few missed shots by Tiafoe later, and the set belonged to Shelton. He carried his momentum into the fourth set, breaking Tiafoe’s serve early on and never looking back.
“I really had to dig deep towards the end of that third set,” Shelton admitted. His victory was not only a significant personal achievement but also a historic moment for tennis. This quarterfinal match marked the first time two African-American men had faced each other in a Grand Slam event since the Open era began in 1968.
Despite the historical significance, both players were focused on their pursuit of victory. Tiafoe expressed his desire to win, stating, “Ultimately, once you get out there, you just want to win.” The match also represented a rare occurrence at the US Open, as it was the first quarterfinal between two American men since 2005.
The crowd seemed torn between the two players, frequently showing support for both. Shelton will now face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, an opponent who holds an impressive record of 23 major championships. Despite the challenge ahead, Shelton is relishing the opportunity, stating, “It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Both Shelton and Tiafoe sported sleeveless muscle shirts throughout the match, battling intense heat and high humidity. Shelton’s explosive lefty forehands, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, left the crowd in awe. His powerful serves, including a 138 mph ace, generated excitement and enthusiasm from spectators.
Tiafoe, who had more experience at this stage of a Grand Slam, struggled with unforced errors early on. Perhaps feeling the pressure of being the favorite, Tiafoe admitted, “It’s a different seat to be in.” On the other hand, Shelton approached the match with unfettered intensity, playing with energy and freedom.
After securing the victory, Shelton passionately celebrated by gesturing as if holding a phone to his ear, symbolizing a conversation in which he hung up the call. This victory represents a significant milestone in Shelton’s young career, and he looks forward to the challenge of facing Djokovic in the semifinals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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