Brian Lewis Ben Shelton put in the work to earn this shot at US Open history By Brian Lewis Published Sep. 12, 2026, 2:55 a.m. ET Ben Shelton hits a backhand volley during his four-set U.S. Open semifinal win over Frances Tiafoe. Jason Szenes for New York Post Ben Shelton has been telling his father/coach Bryan that this is his time, and he might just be right.
The rapidly maturing 23-year-old already has made history, but is aiming for more. Much more.
In a landmark matchup between the friends and doubles partners — the first two black men to face off in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows — Shelton overpowered Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Playing in a building named after the only black American man to ever win a major, Shelton became the first to reach a U.S. Open final since Ashe in 1972 or any major final since MaliVai Washington at 1996 Wimbledon.
