Ben Shelton will face Alexander Zverev in the 2026 US Open final after defeating Frances Tiafoe on Friday.

The eighth seed came from a set down to win the all-American clash 4-6 6-3 6-3 7-5 in three hours and 18 minutes, reaching his maiden grand slam final.

Tiafoe, who was also hunting a first major final, made a clinical start in the first set as he followed up a converted break point in the ninth game with a hold to love to take the lead at Flushing Meadows.

The pair then exchanged breaks early on in the second before Shelton broke again in the eighth game on his way to levelling the tie.

Tiafoe saved two break points in the third game of the third set, but could do nothing as Shelton broke to love just two games later.

And the 23-year-old moved 2-1 ahead after converting a break point at the fourth time of asking in a mammoth ninth game, which lasted over 15 minutes.

Despite having to save three break points at the very start of the fourth, it was a strong set in terms of serving for Shelton, who recorded eight aces in the final frame.

Tiafoe also looked more confident on serve, but as he was serving to stay in the match and force a tie-break, Shelton brought up three match points, but only needed two after Tiafoe committed a double-fault.

23, 325 - Ben Shelton (23y 325d at tournament start) is the youngest player from outside Europe to reach a Grand Slam final since Juan Martin del Potro (US Open 2009) and the youngest American since Andy Roddick (Wimbledon 2005). Pumped!#USOpen | @USOpen @atptour pic.twitter.com/FVRPYfgpXH

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) September 12, 2026

Shelton one win away from the American dream

The last American to win a major was Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open, and Shelton now has a chance to end that 23-year drought on home soil.

Shelton (23y 325d at tournament start) is the youngest player from outside Europe to reach a grand slam final since Juan Martin del Potro (US Open 2009) and the youngest American since Roddick (Wimbledon 2005).

He did so in impressive fashion, recording 20 aces and 47 winners on his way to victory over Tiafoe, whose wait for a maiden grand slam final goes on.

Only three players this century have conceded more games en route to a maiden major final than Shelton (105) – Marat Safin (110 - US Open 2000), David Nalbandian (109 - Wimbledon 2002) and Milos Raonic (108 – Wimbledon 2016).

However, after his win over 2025 champion Carlos Alcaraz, and the home support at Arthur Ashe Stadium behind him, Shelton will be confident of getting the job done against Zverev on Sunday.