Ben Shelton issued a passionate request to American tennis fans after reaching his first Grand Slam final with a dramatic victory over Frances Tiafoe at the US Open.
The 23-year-old recovered from a set down to defeat his close friend and compatriot 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 beneath the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Shelton will now face top seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final as he attempts to become the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick triumphed in New York in 2003.
After completing the biggest victory of his career, Shelton urged the home crowd to create a hostile atmosphere and help him overcome an opponent he has never previously beaten.
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“I’m going to need you guys on Sunday to bring the energy,” Shelton declared.
“I’m going for it, I’m leaving it all on court, let’s do it for the USA!”
His patriotic rallying cry followed an emotional tribute to his family, including his grandmother, who died earlier this year.
“It’s a lot of emotion,” Shelton said.
“My dad and my mom have sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today. My dad lost his mom earlier this year and she was the reason he was able to play tennis.
“Without her there is no Ben Shelton standing here today, so this one is for her.”
Shelton’s request may prove crucial given his daunting record against Zverev.
The German has won each of their five previous meetings, including four victories in straight sets.
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Zverev has also won 44 of his last 45 matches against left-handed opponents, although Sunday will mark the first time the pair have faced each other at a Grand Slam.
Shelton was forced to control his emotions during a tense semi-final, becoming furious with the chair umpire in the fourth set before regaining his composure and completing the victory.
He had previously reached the last four at Flushing Meadows in 2023, only to be stopped by Novak Djokovic.
Three years later, Shelton believes he is far better equipped to handle the pressures of the sport’s biggest stage.
“I think I’ve grown up,” he explained. “I’m more mature, I’m more focused, I know what my goal is, I know what my job is out here and I’m 100 per cent committed to those goals.”
Shelton also paid tribute to Tiafoe after denying his fellow American a place in the final.
“Yeah, I mean first on Foe. He’s like a big brother to me,” Shelton said.
“To be honest, every time we get to take to this court together on Arthur Ashe and play each other it’s super special, but this is where we want to be at the tail-end of this tournament.
“This is both of our favourite tournaments in the world, our favourite court in the world, and to be able to light it up in front of you guys it is the best feeling that a player has.”
Shelton and Zverev will contest the US Open men’s singles final on Sunday night. Who ends up coming out on top remains to be seen.
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