Shelton and Zverev set for US Open final with history at stake

Ben Shelton will face top seed Alexander Zverev in the US Open men’s singles final in New York, with the American seeking his first Grand Slam title.

Shelton reached his first major final by defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe. A victory would make him the first American man to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003, according to Sky Sports, and the first Black American man to reach the final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.

The 23-year-old said he was embracing the nerves and pressure of playing a first Grand Slam final in front of a home crowd. He also credited advice from Rafael Nadal, passed on after a first-round defeat in Cincinnati, with helping him reset following his quarter-final win over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Zverev reached the final after defeating Karen Khachanov. The French Open champion and tournament top seed said he welcomed a loud and energetic crowd, provided it remained fair and did not interrupt points.

The final is scheduled for Sunday from 7pm, according to Sky Sports. Shelton will attempt to convert a breakthrough run into a title, while Zverev stands between him and a significant American milestone.