Ben Shelton sets up US Open final with Alexander Zverev after epic Tiafoe battle

Shelton powered into his first Grand Slam final with a thrilling four-set victory over Frances Tiafoe in an all-American affair, while Zverev reached his third consecutive Grand Slam final after downing Russia's Karen Khachanov in straight sets.

Shelton and Tiafoe were both bidding to reach a maiden Grand Slam final in front of a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, but ultimately it was eighth seed Shelton who recovered from a set down to triumph 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-5.

"Frances is like a big brother to me, every time that we get to take to this court together and play each other is super special," said Shelton.

"This is both of our favourite tournament, our favourite court in the world and to be able to light it up in front of you guys [the crowd] is the best feeling there is."

Neither player was overawed by the occasion as they traded the explosive groundstrokes and some spectacular shot-making.

After three hours and 17 minutes, it was Shelton who held his nerve to seal a landmark victory and now has a chance to end a 23-year wait for an American men's singles champion at a Grand Slam.

Andy Roddick was the last American man to lift a major singles trophy when he won the US Open in 2003, 11 months before Shelton was born.

The 23-year-old will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final after the top seed defeated unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (8-6).

Shelton has his work cut out for him, as Zverev has won all five of their previous meetings.

"I'm going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy," Shelton added.

"I'm going to leave it all on the court and I hope you guys come and back me. Let's do this for the USA."

Zverev, meanwhile, reflected on reaching a third straight Grand Slam final in 2026 - with a chance to win a second - after years of near misses and disappointments.

"Sometimes things just go your way, I have had a lot of struggles at the major level and I was so close so many times - and maybe this year God has said this is going to be my year and to enjoy my time on the court. I am enjoying it, I love playing these big finals and I can't wait for Sunday."

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