Frances Tiafoe triumphed over Ben Shelton in a thrilling five-set match to reach the fourth round of the US Open. Tiafoe won the contest 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3, showcasing impressive net play and a solid response to Shelton’s powerful serves. This victory marks Tiafoe’s fifth consecutive appearance in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
Last year, Shelton had eliminated Tiafoe in the quarterfinals, but Tiafoe’s performance this time was stellar. He embraced the atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium after a grueling 4-hour, 3-minute match, praising Shelton’s talent and raw skill during his post-match interview.
Shelton, the 21-year-old from Georgia seeded 13th, acknowledged Tiafoe’s impressive gameplay. Despite his disappointment, he expressed admiration for his friend’s capabilities and their competitive spirit.
Tiafoe is set to face No. 28 Alexei Popyrin, who made waves by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The match between Tiafoe and Shelton was originally anticipated to take place at night but ended up being an afternoon encounter, drawing only a sparse crowd initially. Tiafoe maintained a positive outlook, stating he was focused on winning regardless of the timing.
Both players are part of a vibrant American contingent in the tournament, with Tiafoe ranked 20th and Shelton 13th. This influx of talent has led to optimism about the prospect of a U.S. male champion emerging soon, as the last title was claimed by Andy Roddick in 2003.
In additional results, the highest-ranked American, No. 12 Taylor Fritz, progressed to the round of 16 after a decisive victory, marking a notable achievement in his career. Another American player, Brandon Nakashima, also advanced to the next round.
Tiafoe’s latest match highlighted his growth and improvement since teaming up with coach David Witt. His tactical approach, particularly his effective net play, has been a significant factor in his recent success. With a newfound momentum, Tiafoe looks forward to his upcoming matches with a hopeful eye on the title.