US Open: Shelton vs. Tiafoe: US Open Semifinal How to Watch, Start Time, Odds

bet365 News Team Updated: 10 hours ago

An all-American clash is set for the US Open semifinals as Ben Shelton, fresh off a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz, takes on compatriot Frances Tiafoe, who battled past Alex Michelsen.

Location	Arthur Ashe Stadium
Date	Friday, September 11
Time	7:00 PM ET
TV Channel	ESPN

One thing is certain: an American will be in the US Open final. The upcoming semifinal between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe promises to be a thrilling encounter. The No. 8 and No. 11 seeds are coming off hard-fought quarterfinal wins against Carlos Alcaraz and Alex Michelsen, respectively. Who will secure their first-ever US Open final berth, and which player will the Flushing Meadows crowd get behind?

Shelton's Fairytale Run in New York

Ben Shelton's journey at this year's US Open has been both exhilarating and challenging, culminating in a legendary quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz. The young American faced several tough matches along the way, starting with a comeback win in the first round against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, 1-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-2.

He also needed four sets to overcome Poland's Hubert Hurkacz (6-3, 5-7, 7-6, 7-5) and Canada's Denis Shapovalov (7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4). His only straight-sets victory came in the round of 16 against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom he defeated 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.

Then came the epic, late-night showdown with Alcaraz, which Shelton won in a fifth-set super tie-break: 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6. Now, Shelton aims to go all the way and win his first Grand Slam title on home soil, a victory that would firmly establish him among tennis's elite.

Tiafoe's Quest for a Major Title

Frances Tiafoe shares the same dream. For him, a US Open title would not only be his first major but also his first truly significant career trophy. To date, he has won four ATP titles, none higher than the 500 level (Delray Beach, Houston, Stuttgart, and Halle).

Tiafoe has shown he is in top form on the New York hard courts, building on his recent run to the final in Cincinnati. However, he narrowly avoided a shocking first-round exit in a derby against Learner Tien, eventually winning in five sets: 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

His subsequent wins were more comfortable, defeating Japan's Rei Sakamoto (6-3, 7-6, 7-5) and Monaco's Valentin Vacherot (6-4, 6-2, 6-4). He then put on a brilliant display to beat Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16, 7-6, 6-4, 7-6. His quarterfinal victory over Alex Michelsen was another heart-stopping marathon, where Tiafoe mounted an incredible comeback from two sets down to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6.

Head-to-Head History: Shelton vs. Tiafoe

The two players have faced each other four times, with Shelton leading the series 3-1. Their US Open record is tied at 1-1, with Shelton winning their 2023 quarterfinal clash and Tiafoe taking their third-round match in 2024. Their most recent meeting was in Washington in 2025, where Shelton won in straight sets.