Frances Tiafoe Triumphs Over Ben Shelton in an Intense U.S. Open Match

In a thrilling encounter at the U.S. Open, Frances Tiafoe successfully defeated Ben Shelton with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3. This match, part of the third round of the tournament, showcased Tiafoe’s impressive skills as he advanced to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the fifth consecutive year.

Last year, Tiafoe faced Shelton in the quarterfinals, where he was eliminated in four sets. Notably, the year before, Tiafoe reached the semifinals of the prestigious tournament, marking the best Grand Slam performance of his career.

The match against Shelton lasted four hours and three minutes, an intense battle that concluded with Tiafoe embracing Shelton at the net following their spirited competition. Tiafoe praised Shelton, noting, “He’s an incredible player. He really is. He goes for all kind of shots. He’s got no care in the world.”

Tiafoe’s next opponent may be 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who was set to play later that night. The expectation was high for Tiafoe and Shelton to play in the evening session; however, their match was scheduled for the afternoon, attracting a smaller crowd.

At just 21 years old, Shelton, the 13th seed in the tournament, demonstrated remarkable talent, recording 23 aces and reaching speeds of 143 mph. Tiafoe, seeded 20th, took advantage of his opportunities, challenging Shelton’s serve and converting five of the 21 break points available—a record against Shelton.

Tiafoe’s victory emphasized his strong performance at the net, where he won 35 of 48 points when approaching. His engaging playstyle included entertaining the crowd with his signature “Salt Bae” celebration, further enhancing the match’s excitement.

Although Tiafoe has not always been successful in five-set matches, his performance against Shelton marked a significant achievement, allowing him to showcase his resilience and skill on one of tennis’s biggest stages.