Sept. 6 (UPI) — Ben Shelton secured his spot in the 2023 U.S. Open semifinal, marking his first appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal. Shelton emerged victorious over Frances Tiafoe, unleashing 50 winners in a triumphant performance. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, another American player, also advanced to her first U.S. Open semifinal, demonstrating her impressive skills at the tournament.
Tuesday in Flushing, N.Y., Serbian Novak Djokovic and Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic secured their spots in the men’s and women’s semifinals, respectively, at the U.S. Open.
“There is still a lot of tennis left to play,” Gauff told reporters. “It’s a long tournament. Even though, for the semifinals, [I had] two matches left, you can’t think like that. I’m still in the mindset that I’m in the beginning of the tournament.
“Right now, I have the mentality that I told myself I have another two weeks to play. That’s where my mind is at.”
Ranked No. 47 in the ATP Tour singles rankings, Shelton defeated his 10th-ranked opponent, Frances Tiafoe, with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Shelton showcased his skills on the court, firing 14 aces and breaking Tiafoe’s serve seven times.
“I think the key for me was just being tough and relentless, knowing that I could go the distance physically, no matter how much it hurt,” Shelton said.
Shelton will face Djokovic in the semifinals on Friday in Flushing. Djokovic defeated No. 9 Taylor Fritz of the United States in straight sets in their quarterfinal match. The No. 2 ranked Serbian player secured his victory with seven aces, converting 6 of 9 break points, and accumulating 25 winners and 26 unforced errors in a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win.
Fritz, on the other hand, recorded eight aces, 33 winners, and 51 unforced errors. He managed to convert only 2 of 12 break points.
Muchova, ranked No. 10, triumphed over Sorana Cirstea of Romania with a score of 6-0, 6-3. She will face Gauff in the women’s semifinals on Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Gauff, ranked No. 6, dominated her quarterfinal match against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, winning with a score of 6-0, 6-2. The 19-year-old American talent showcased her skills, recording four aces, converting 6 of 7 break point opportunities, and accumulating 13 winners and 14 unforced errors. In contrast, Ostapenko struggled with 37 unforced errors and managed to convert only 1 of 4 break point chances.
“I wouldn’t lie, I am not surprised by the result, but with how the match went,” Gauff said.
The U.S. Open action continues with the remaining quarterfinal matches. No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will face No. 23 Zheng Qinwen of China in the first women’s quarterfinal match of Day 10 at noon on Wednesday. Later, No. 9 Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic will battle No. 17 Madison Keys of the United States in the final women’s quarterfinal match.
In the men’s quarterfinals, No. 3 Daniil Medvedev will face fellow Russian Andrey Rublev (No. 8) in the first match of the day. Following that, No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will go head-to-head with No. 12 Alexander Zverev of Germany for the final spot in the men’s singles semifinals.
Day 10 of the U.S. Open will be broadcasted on ESPN.
U.S. Open schedule
All times EDT
Wednesday
Mens and women’s quarterfinals from noon to 11 p.m. on ESPN
Thursday
Women’s semifinals from 7 to 11 p.m. on ESPN
Friday
Men’s semifinals from 3 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. on ESPN
Saturday
Women’s final at 4 p.m. on ESPN
Sunday
Men’s final at 4 p.m. on ESPN
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